Hull KR’s Jordan Abdull back after ‘squirrel grip’ ban

The stand-off returns to action against Huddersfield Giants tonight after completing a two-game ban for grabbing the testicles of St Helens’ James Bentley.

Warrington Wolves star Lineham, seen by the disciplinary just before Abdull, was handed an eight-match suspension for committing similar “contrary behaviour” and England winger Makinson was banned for five games last month.

Abdull’s offence was far less severe with Rovers coach Tony Smith feeling it did not even warrant being put forward by the match review panel after his player got things wrong getting his hands between his opponent’s legs to complete a tackle.

But the Robins player said: “It was my fault for the way I approached the tackle. Whether I did or didn’t do it, I ended up in a dangerous position and that’s my own fault.

“I accepted the punishment and I’ll be sure to improve my tackle technique when I get back in the side.

“I was (worried). I’ve never had to face the disciplinary before and I’ve had a good record.

“I didn’t really know what to expect but with all the incidents that have been happening recently, it’s my own fault for not being mindful about the way I approached the tackle.

“It’s something for me to improve on and the RFL are right to try and take these tackles out of the game. You’re putting people at risk and it’s not the way you are taught to tackle. I take responsibility.”

Abdull, 24, had been in quality form having just got back into the team with a man-of-the-match display in the win over Wigan Warriors before pushing champions St Helens close into Golden Point extra-time.

But the ban meant he missed Rovers’ Challenge Cup quarter-final with Leeds Rhinos and a Super League meeting with the same opponents, his side conceding 89 points in the process.

The former Hull FC playmaker admitted: “It summed this season up for me personally and obviously the way the season’s gone.

“It’s been stop-start; I’ve had a couple of injuries and then just as I get back in the side I pick up a suspension.

“It was the first one of my career so I didn’t take it really well.

“It was frustrating being at home watching the boys and not even being able to go to the stadium to watch. It was hard, especially seeing how the results went, and you do feel a little bit helpless.”

Huddersfield have emerged from their own rut with back-to-back wins under interim head coach Luke Robinson.

Hull-born Abdull said: “I watched them last week and thought they showed a real togetherness and put in a real good team performance (to beat Castleford Tigers).

“I expect the same and it’ll need a good performance from us to get a result against an in-form Huddersfield side who have found new energy and different ideas.”

He hopes to lock horns this evening with Giants captain Aidan Sezer, the Australian playmaker and ‘marquee’ signing who has been peerless of late. Abdull said: “Just watching him on the telly, his communication, organisation means he’s a big driving factor for the Huddersfield team.”