HALIFAX back-rower Dane Manning has been banned for two matches.
The former Leeds and Batley man was found guilty of the Grade B offence of sustained punching in a pre-season friendly against Keighley Cougars on Boxing Day.
Manning did not have the option of submitting an Early Guilty Plea to the offence, which took place in the 46th minute.
It means he will miss his club’s next pre-season game against the Bulldogs at The Shay on Sunday, January 20 and the Championship opener at home to Sheffield Eagles a week later.
He was, however, a dominant player for Halifax in their 23-10 trial defeat at Dewsbury Rams on Sunday, when he was singled out for praise by head coach Karl Harrison.
