Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith expresses disciplinary frustration as he provides Harry Newman latest

The goalkicking back-rower was handed a one-match ban for a high tackle in last week's win over Castleford Tigers and saw his suspension doubled following a failed appeal, despite the incident going unpunished during the game.

Martin will therefore sit out Friday's play-off eliminator against Catalans Dragons and next week's semi-final should the Rhinos progress.

Smith believes players are fighting a losing battle when they decide to appeal against punishments.

"I'm not sure that's the type of challenge that's an issue in our game," he said.

"It's an accident. Rhyse was taking some care in the way he went about it. It was a falling player and a glancing touch.

"The more concerning part - and it sounds like there's going to be a conversation at the end of the season - is the process around it all.

"You're essentially guilty until you're found guiltier if you decide to appeal.

"We're still on a Teams online call to show footage that doesn't have the ability to go frame by frame and you can't see it with real clarity.

"It's a little vague at times. I'm not sure why we aren't in person face to face looking at the same screen with the same technology. That would make the process a little clearer.

"It's just all too harsh, in my opinion. For the good of the game, we want our best players available unless they do something that really warrants them not being available."

Martin received his additional punishment at a tribunal on Tuesday evening, much to Smith's frustration.

"We had a 30-minute conversation led by the judge who probed, challenged and asked questions," he added.

"We had a detailed analysis of the tackle itself with a comparison clip and we analysed an RFL clip of a James Roby tackle earlier in the season closely as well.

"We thought there was a fair conversation led by the judge so I'm not quite sure about the definition of 'frivolous'. It seems different to the definition I've had from legal people."

The loss of Martin could be offset by the return of Harry Newman, who has been sidelined since suffering a fresh hamstring injury on August 12.

Smith stressed that the talented centre still has several hoops to jump through before he is cleared to play.

"There's some chance of playing on Friday," said Smith. "That's all it is at this point.

"Last week he was no chance and now he's some chance. He's got some difficult testing to get through.

"He's a motivated character and likes to fill himself full of optimism and positivity. That's a large part of the reason why we've opted to include him in the 21 (man squad).

"Let's see if it's the same from the physio and the performance staff. He won't half pass - he'll either pass the testing or he won't.

"He would have played last week if we went with his gut feeling. His willingness to apply himself to his rehab has been extremely commendable. He's all in for the Rhinos."

Smith confirmed that young winger Liam Tindall will replace Ash Handley, who could be fit for the Grand Final if Leeds make it that far.

"He's got a fracture of the fifth metatarsal, in a spot that's not too bad as far as fractures go," said Smith on Handley's foot injury.

"He'll be a couple of weeks. If we keep the season alive, he may yet play for the Rhinos this year."