HUDDERSFIELD Giants are facing the prospect of losing experienced duo Darren Fleary and Stanley Gene through suspension.
Both players were placed on report by referee Russell Smith for late challenges on Lee Briers during the Giants' 20-8 opening Super League home defeat to Warrington Wolves.
Rugby Football League chiefs viewed the two separate incidents on video yesterday and have ordered the players to appear in front of a disciplinary panel tonight to answer charges of 'striking'.
Giants chief executive Ralph Rimmer will accompany the
players to the RFL headquarters at Red Hall, with the duo expected to be suspended and fined.
That would mean Fleary and Gene missing the trip to Wigan on Friday week at the very least.
But they could also miss the next two Giants matches at Leeds Rhinos and at home to St Helens.
Yet Rimmer is hoping that they will be back in action sooner rather than later.
"I am very hopeful we will receive a fair hearing and we have the chance to present all the facts,'' said Rimmer.
"Darren will be in at 5pm and Stanley straight after that, so I'm preparing for a very important hour this evening.''
Also in front of the disciplinary committee tonight is Wigan centre Paul Johnson, who was sent off for a high tackle on Castleford's Jamie Thackray during the Warriors' 19-10 defeat at The Jungle.
Wigan travel to Doncaster in the Challenge Cup on Sunday.
But if Johnson picked up more than a one-match ban he would miss the clash against the Giants at the JJB Stadium on Friday, March 7.
Wigan are already bracing themselves to take an under-strength side to South Yorkshire, with inspirational duo Andy Farrell and Mick Cassidy both injured.
