Ian Watson hits out at decision to hand Huddersfield Giants' Jack Cogger 'frivolous' appeal verdict

Huddersfield Giants boss Ian Watson has questioned how Jack Cogger’s appeal against a two-game ban could be deemed “frivolous” given an independent operational rules tribunal took 40 minutes to reach a decision. The Australian stand-off was suspended for use of the knees during last weekend’s Betfred Super League match at Warrington Wolves.

Cogger challenged the C grading but last night’s tribunal adjudged that to be frivolous in light of what they regarded to be ‘a highly reckless act’ and added an extra match on to the initial suspension. He now misses tomorrow night’s game at Wakefield Trinity, the Challenge Cup semi-final against Hull KR and the Super League visit of Wigan Warriors on May 12.

But asked at his weekly press conference if he thought it was frivolous, Watson replied: “We didn't think so. They took 40 minutes to decide on the outcome of it so if generally you’re taking 40 minutes to decide if a case is positive or negative, I don’t see how that can be frivolous to be fair.

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“They’ve decided amongst themselves - the judges, ex-players - after discussing it for 40 minutes that it is. I’m not too sure. The case Jack put forward was very, very good in the way he spoke about the incident, his understanding of the situation and what the outcome was supposed to be in that situation.

“He didn't deny catching the player with his leg but he was totally against the fact that he did lead with his knees. We thought it was worth the challenge and so did Jack. We have to learn our lesson and move on.”

Prop Chris Hill and full-back Tui Lolohea also picked up one-game bans from the Warrington game. “With Tui and Chris Hill, the way they are at