Leeds Rhinos missing star signing Blake Austin for Warrington Wolves opener

Leeds Rhinos have decided not to appeal against the one-match ban which will keep stand-off Blake Austin out of Saturday’s Betfred Super League clash with his previous club Warrington Wolves.

Austin received a one-match penalty notice after being charged by the RFL’s match review panel with grade B dangerous contact in Tom Briscoe’s testimonial game against Hull on January 30.

The Australian was sin-binned for a late tackle on Hull captain Luke Gale.

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Rhinos had until 11am Tuesday to challenge the charge, but the RFL confirmed no appeal has been lodged.

Leeds Rhinos' Blake Austin will miss a rematch against his former club.(
Picture: Tony Johnson)Leeds Rhinos' Blake Austin will miss a rematch against his former club.(
Picture: Tony Johnson)
Leeds Rhinos' Blake Austin will miss a rematch against his former club.( Picture: Tony Johnson)

Austin joined Leeds in the off-season from Warrington and his debut would have created huge interest in the first Super League game to be televised live on Channel 4.

The RFL have launched a crackdown on late tackles after the ball has been passed and Rhinos’ James Donaldson received a two-game ban for a similar offence after being yellow carded against Wakefield Trinity on Boxing Day. The match review panel normally meets on a Monday to study Super League games, but that has been put back to Thursdays during pre-season.

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