Briers looks set to play his part in decider for Warrington

The ex-Wales stand-off was charged by the match review panel yesterday with a grade A offence of punching Leeds Rhinos’ Carl Ablett in Saturday’s 40-20 qualifying play-off win.

There was an outcry that Briers had not been at least yellow-carded for the unprovoked attack but referee James Child merely warned the veteran playmaker.

The RFL match review panel have since acted but only brought the lowest grade charge against Briers with a potential ban of nought to one games.

However, a player who submits an early guilty plea – Briers has that option – will automatically receive the suspension at the lower scale of the tariff for his graded offence and lose the right to submit an EGP for 12 months.

If, as expected, the 35-year-old takes the EGP he will avoid a hearing and a ban.

It means Briers will lose his right to submit another early-guilty plea for 12 months but will be able to play in Warrington’s last-four clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium next Thursday.

Ablett was as stunned as everyone in the crowd when Briers had reacted angrily to his tackle and thumped him from behind in the game’s major talking point.

“Obviously, he’s a threat with the ball so I went to close him down and put some pressure on him,” recalled the Leeds player.

“He stepped me, so I flung my arm out, got him by the collar, put him down and thought that was the end of it.

“But then he was wound up about something and as I walked away he did what he did.

“I think he was saying I caught him in the face but the video conclusively says I got him on the collar.”

Catalan Dragons’ Eloi Pelissier has been charged with the Grade A offence of standing on Hull FC’s Aaron Heremaia but also has the option of an EGP.

Championship play-offs: Thursday, Sepy 19 – Championship qualifying semi-final: Halifax v Sheffield Eagles (7pm).

Sunday, Sept 22: Championship qualifying semi-final: Featherstone Rovers v Batley Bulldogs (3pm; Championship One final eliminator: Oldham v London Skolars (3pm). Sunday, Sept 29: Championship One Play-off final: Rochdale Hornets v final eliminator winners (2pm); Championship Grand Final: Leigh Sports Village (4.30pm).