Warrington Wolves full-back Richie Mathers has been banned for one game for a high tackle on Huddersfield's Luke Robinson.
Wolves full-back gets one-game ban for high tackle
Warrington Wolves full-back Richie Mathers has been banned for one game by a Rugby Football League disciplinary committee for a high tackle on Huddersfield's Luke Robinson.
Mathers took out Robinson with the high shot during Sunday's Super League defeat against the Giants at the Galpharm Stadium.
The former Wigan player was also fined £300 for the offence after being found guilty by a Rugby Football League disciplinary hearing on Tuesday.
Mathers now misses Sunday's home clash with Salford as he added to his poor recent disciplinary record, which saw the 25-year-old sent off twice whilst at Wigan last season and has already seen him serve one two-game ban this season.
Mathers' latest offence could have carried a ban of up to four games but he will now be free to face former club Wigan in both the Challenge Cup semi-finals on August 8 and Super League the following week.
Injury news
His absence this week could be offset by the return of up to five injured players for Salford's visit to the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Influential prop Adrian Morley is close to coming back from a knee injury while Paul Rauhihi has recovered from a back problem.
Simon Grix (mouth) and Vinnie Anderson, who suffered knocks against St Helens earlier this month, should also be in contention along with Chris Hicks (leg).
Coach Tony Smith said: "I'm not going to count my chickens yet but we could be looking at the possibility of five returning this week.
"It has been a case of last man standing at times but we are not looking for any sympathy - it happens at every club at some stage throughout the season.
"You hope to get through that and hopefully we'll get through ours and get some bodies back to freshen us up."
Scrum-half Michael Monaghan is also fit after playing against Huddersfield with a dead leg, while Smith had considered recalling Kevin Penny and Steve Pickersgill from their loan spells at neighbours Widnes to ease his selection worries.
"It got close last week, we thought about it, but with a couple back now I don't think we need to at this stage," Smith said.
"Once they are back they have to stay with us, so it's something I have to consider for our sake and their sake. We will look after them and do it if it is needed."
