Namo cops lengthy ban

LONDON: Castleford Tigers forward Sylvester Namo will miss the club’s next five matches following the result of an independent operational rules tribunal on Tuesday evening (local time).
The PNG international was charged with a Grade F offence of dangerous contact – which was downgraded to Grade E at the tribunal itself. However, the Tigers failed to successfully quash the charge, landing Namo with a major ban.
He has been banned for five games following the incident which involved Wigan Warriors forward Willie Isa, and has also been fined £750 (about K3,019).
The Tigers say they “will be reviewing options in detail tonight and will provide an update” on Wednesday (local time), amidst suggestions they could appeal Namo’s ban. Nonetheless, it is another significant blow for a Castleford squad struggling for available bodies – and it could accelerate their plans to bring in Leigh’s Ben Nakubuwai, should they release Albert Vete from his Tigers contract.
– Agencies