George Lawler to miss Hull KR return after receiving lengthy suspension

Castleford Tigers forward George Lawler will miss out on a return to Hull Kingston Rovers in this Friday’s Challenge Cup quarter-final after being handed a three-game ban. The Match Review Panel have issued numerous sanctions following the latest round of Super League games.

Lawler, who swapped Rovers for the Tigers during the off-season, has been punished for a Grade C Dangerous Throw during last Friday’s home win against Toulouse Olympique. It means he will miss the Challenge Cup contest and the Tigers' two games over Easter.

St Helens forward Curtis Sironen and Hull KR’s Sam Wood have both been handed a 0 Match Penalty Notices for a Grade A (High Tackle) and a Grade A (Late Hit on Passer) respectively during their sides’ games against Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves respectively.

Looking back on Hull KR's route to the Challenge Cup Final in 2015

Hull FC’s Jake Connor (Other Contrary Behaviour) and Liam Sutcliffe of Leeds (Dangerous Throw) were handed cautions following games against Wigan and Saints respectively. However, with Lawler the only player suspended, it further reinforces the message from the RFL coaches' meeting last month that suspensions are likely to reduce moving forward.