Wigan Warriors decide not to appeal double suspension blow following Toulouse Olympique win

Wigan Warriors have decided against appealing the suspensions issued to Sam Walters and Brad O’Neill following Saturday’s win over Toulouse Olympique.

The Warriors were dealt a double disciplinary blow on Monday following the Match Review Panel’s review of the weekend’s action, with Walters copping a two-match ban and O’Neill a one-match ban.

Walters was charged with a Grade B other contrary behaviour offence in Wigan’s 48-18 win over Toulouse. The versatile forward received three penalty points, which takes him to a total of 16.25 penalty points within the last 12 months, resulting in a two-match suspension and a fine.

The 25-year-old has been one of Wigan’s top-performing forwards when he has played this season, but his latest ban will take him to 12 matches missed through three separate suspensions this term.

Walters will miss Saturday’s trip to Bartercard Odsal when the Warriors face Bradford Bulls, as well as the following week’s home clash with third-placed Wakefield Trinity. He would next be available to play in Wigan’s penultimate home game of the regular season against Hull KR on Thursday, August 27.

Fortunately for Wigan, highly-rated youngster Kian McDermott returned from a two-match suspension in Wigan’s win over Toulouse, and is likely to partner Ollie Partington in the back-row.

Meanwhile, Warriors hooker O’Neill will miss Saturday’s trip to Bradford. The 24-year-old, who has been one of Wigan’s best players this year, was sin-binned in the second half of Wigan’s win over Toulouse, which he received a Grade C dangerous throw/lift charge for.

O’Neill was given five penalty points, which took him to a total of 8.25 penalty points within the last 12 months, resulting in a one-match suspension. He will be available to return in Wigan’s home clash with Wakefield a week on Friday.

Wigan had the right to appeal the panel’s verdicts on the charges to Walters and O’Neill, but the club have opted against doing so, thus accepting the suspensions.

Elsewhere from Saturday’s game at the Brick Community Stadium, Toulouse stalwart Anthony Marion was charged with a Grade A dangerous throw/lift offence, with one penalty point taking him to a total of 1.75 penalty points over the last 12 months, and no further action being taken.