Leigh’s top-four hopes have been dealt a hammer blow after Peter Mata’utia and Matty Dawson-Jones were both handed Grade E charges by the match review panel.
The pair were sent off in the club’s Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat to Leeds and are facing up to eight-game suspensions as a result.
Mata’utia, who was an influential figure in the club’s recent 11-match winning streak, was dismissed for a tackle on Matt Parcell and has been charged for a dangerous throw.
Former Saints winger Dawson-Jones then given his marching orders late on after speaking to the match official. He’s been pulled up by the match review panel for questioning the integrity of a match official.
The news comes as a significant blow to Leigh, who are still chasing a place in the top four after a woeful start to the season.
The Centurions are currently sixth in the Championship, two points adrift of fourth-placed London.
According to the RFL website, a player found guilty of a Grade E offence will receive a four to eight-match suspension.
The Centurions have eight games remaining, meaning the pair could miss the remainder of the club’s run-in if suspended.
But crucially, even a four-match suspension would see the pair miss pivotal games against Halifax, Toulouse and Toronto.
It remains to be seen whether the club will appeal.
Ben Reynolds was cautioned for disputing a decision but will not receive further action.
