Challenge Cup: St Helens' James Bell and Huddersfield's Jack Cogger suspended for semis

Image source, SWPIX.COM

Image caption, Jack Cogger and James Bell will miss their sides' respective Challenge Cup semi-finals on 7 May

St Helens back-rower James Bell and Huddersfield half-back Jack Cogger will miss their Challenge Cup semi-finals, against Wigan and Hull KR respectively, through suspension.

Bell, 27, was banned for two games for a late hit on Gareth O'Brien in Friday's defeat by Castleford Tigers.

Cogger, 24, received a two-game penalty notice for other contrary behaviour in Saturday's loss to Warrington.

But that was increased to three matches as his appeal was deemed "frivolous".

Cogger was handed the ban for sliding in with the knees as Josh Thewlis scored, with the independent operational rules tribunal deciding on Tuesday that it was a "a highly reckless act" and also fining him 拢500.

Fellow Giants team-mates Tui Lolohea and Chris Hill have received one-game suspensions from the match review panel, for tripping and dangerous contact respectively.

Hull FC half-back Josh Reynolds has received a one-game penalty notice for intentionally standing on an opponent in Sunday's win over Catalans, whose captain Ben Garcia has escaped a ban despite a Grade A high tackle charge.