ST HELENS star Matty Lees will be free to play for England in their first Test against Tonga later this month following his successful appeal against a one-match ban.
Last night, Lees and Saints went to an Operational Rules Tribunal to challenge the Grade B Shoulder Charge given to the forward in the aftermath of the club’s 12-6 defeat to Catalans Dragons at the weekend.
The independent Operational Rules Tribunal upheld this challenge, downgrading the charge to Grade A, and therefore reducing the punishment from a one-match suspension to a £250 fine.
Saints were successful in their appeal, though the same could not be said for Warrington Wolves in their quest to appeal George Williams’ one-match suspension for a Grade B Shoulder Charge in the loss to Saints almost a fortnight ago.
That ban was doubled due to a frivolous challenge which means that England captain Williams will miss the opening two Tests against Tonga.
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