Gorski in the dock

By Martin Morgan

Last updated 09:54, Saturday, 23 August 2008

WHITEHAVEN could pay an even higher price than expected following last week’s Battle of Hilton Park after back-rower Andy Gorski was found to have a case to answer over an incident placed on report during the fiery clash.

Gorski: Accused of using his head

But FIVE Leigh players whose roles in alleged foul play was looked at by the RFL, have been cleared, along with Haven’s Howard Hill.

Graeme Mattinson and Haven team-mate Scott Teare was sent off in the closing seconds of the 32-8 defeat, while Centurions’ prop Andy Hobson had earlier been red-carded for flattening young scrum-half Gregg McNally.

Hooker Mattinson has been charged with a grade D offence, of alleged kicking, which carries a ban of two to five matches if found guilty next week.

Gorski, Teare and Hobson face grade C charges, which will mean suspensions of between zero and four games, if guilty.

If coach Ged Stokes were to lose Gorski to a ban, in addition to Teare and Mattinson, Haven’s NL1 play-off campaign could be badly hit.

“We felt there was more involvement from the Leigh side, but we’re not in the business of citing players,” said Haven chairman Gordon Grace.

Gorski is charged with alleged use of the head in making a tackle. Veteran Tane Manihera, who missed out at Leigh due to flu, will tomorrow resume his half-partnership with McNally, a sub at Hilton Park, following his return from the England Under-18 tour to Australia.

“Tane’s been terrific for us,” Stokes said. “He plays a slightly different game to most halves and is very constructive. “It will make a massive difference if we can get a big crowd in, all going at it for Whitehaven. Our players will be sparing nothing to try to get that fourth spot.”

Haven will be guaranteed a home draw in their play-off opener if they take three points from the Vikings tomorrow (3pm) and Leigh lose at Batley.

Vikings scrum-half Matty Smith has responded to treatment on a hip injury, so they should be at full strength

Challenge Cup final ref Steve Ganson and his two Wembley touch judges will officiate in a dry run for next week’s showpiece.