Ben Westwood of Warrington Wolves will be available for selection for England’s opening fixture of Rugby League World Cup 2013 despite being suspended for a Grade B punch in the Super League Grand Final.
Westwood pleaded guilty to punching Wigan Warriors half-back Blake Green in the second minute of the match and was banned for one match when he faced an RFL Disciplinary Tribunal by video link from England’s high altitude training camp in South Africa.
The second row was also fined £300 and has been ruled out of England’s pre-tournament friendly against Italy at Salford City Stadium on Saturday October 19.
He will be available for selection for the opening match of RLWC2013 against Australia at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday October 26, a match which follows a spectacular opening ceremony.
