Tommy Makinson ‘escapes’ eight-game ban for genital-grab

Prolific winger Makinson potentially faced an eight-game ban for the incident in Sunday’s 10-0 win after the match review panel ordered him to face the RFL operational rules tribunal on a Grade F charge of ‘other contrary behaviour’.

But the tribunal last night downgraded the offence to Grade E and – after the 2018 Golden Boot winner pleaded guilty – handed the still lengthy suspension and a £500 fine.

The incident was only put on report at the time but television footage clearly proved the offence committed by Makinson.

His previous good disciplinary record was taken into account in determining the punishment but he will miss games against Hull KR (twice), Huddersfield Giants, a Challenge Cup quarter-final against Warrington Wolves and the derby with Wigan Warriors.

The news about the positive test at St Helens – for a non-playing member of staff – was announced yesterday morning.

Saints cancelled their day’s training and they are expected to have further tests this week.

At this stage there is no need for anyone at Castleford – their opponents last weekend – to self-isolate under the test and trace procedures agreed with Public Health England for the resumption of the sport.

However, after last week’s Covid outbreak at Hull FC which saw nine players and three staff infected forcing three games to be postponed, it was another reminder of how delicately-balanced the Super League competition still is.

Neither club, of course, has a fixture scheduled this weekend but that is only because Castleford were due to face Hull in the Challenge Cup.

St Helens also revealed their England centre Mark Percival suffered a muscle injury against Tigers that could keep him out for up to a month.

There was better news for Castleford prop Grant Millington who saw a one-game ban overturned last night.

He had been charged with two separate offences during the game by the match review panel.

But the tribunal ruled a caution would be sufficient for a Grade A charge of dangerous contact on Theo Fages rather than a one-match penalty notice.

The Australian, 33, accepted a Grade A charge of dangerous contact on Jonny Lomax – which saw him sin-binned – which had not been recommended to carry a sanction.

Meanwhile, The Yorkshire Post understands details on Super League fixtures for September will be revealed today with a marked change in tact.

During August, all games have been planned in at one venue over Saturdays and Sundays, each televised live by Sky Sports.

The broadcasters will continue to show every game live next month as it seeks to retrieve the coverage lost during five months of lockdown and they are still set to take place at one venue.

However, fixtures will largely be over Thursdays and Fridays instead with Salford Red Devils v Castleford, Hull KR v Wigan and Wakefield Trinity v Leeds Rhinos earmarked for Thursday September 3.