Emmerson Whittel pleaded guilty to a Grade C running in and punching charge in Cougars’ Ladbrokes Challenge Cup win over Fryston Warriors.

A tribunal held last night downgraded it to a Grade B offence and the second-rower received a one-match ban and £75 fine.

Whittel is already sidelined for three months, having suffered a broken jaw in the brawl which broke out during the tie against Fryston.