Keighley Cougars have been dealt a real blow in their push for the Betfred League 1 title, with starting hooker Kyle Kesik receiving a hefty ban.

He was facing a charge of Grade E head contact, in an incident which saw him sin-binned in Cougars’ Betfred League 1 draw against Rochdale at the start of the month.

His case was heard at a tribunal on Tuesday night and the result is that he has been suspended for four matches, with a fine of £112.50.

Despite a not guilty plea, the tribunal felt they had sufficient evidence from the referee’s report to issue the suspension and fine.

Cougars have thanked the tribunal for the opportunity to hear Kesik’s case and they now have to deal with the consequences.

It means the hooker will not be available for this Sunday’s potential title decider at Oldham, and he will also be absent for the upcoming matches against Midlands Hurricanes, Newcastle Thunder, North Wales Crusaders.

But perhaps crucially, he is due to come back for their third and final fixture against Oldham this season on Sunday, August 18.