Edwards Set For Challenge Cup Final After Avoiding Ban

London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Aug, 2018 ) :New Zealand forward Kenny Edwards is set to play for Catalans Dragons in the Challenge Cup final after avoiding a ban for throwing the ball into the crowd.

Edwards, 28, was investigated by the Rugby Football League after a child was struck by the ball during the French club's 35-16 semi-final win over St Helens earlier this month.

An RFL spokesperson has confirmed Edwards has been fined and warned about his future conduct after finding him in breach of their operational rules.

The player was found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game/improper conduct and of breaking the RFL's Respect Policy.

Edwards was suspended for seven games in 2017 over a domestic violence-related assault and missed the entire 2015 season after taking a drugs test for a team-mate.

The player was released by Parramatta in May after being charged with driving on a suspended licence and joined the Catalans on an 18-month contract.

He made his debut in the Dragons' 20-6 Cup quarter-final win at Huddersfield at the end of May and has played in all but one of their last 10 Super League matches.

His availability for the Wembley decider against Warrington is a relief to coach Steve McNamara, who is without Australian forward Greg Bird through suspension.

Warrington fared less well on the disciplinary front on Tuesday as forward Sita Akauola failed to overturn a one-match ban.

Former Wests Tigers and Penrith star Akauola will miss the final after he was handed the suspension for a 'Grade A' dangerous tackle on Mitch Clark during the Wolves' 28-18 league defeat at Castleford last Friday.

A statement from the RFL said: "Having considered all the submissions from the player and his representatives, the tribunal are satisfied that the grading was correct and that the one-match suspension should stand."