Rugby League: Edwards dropping appeal over ban

Shaun Edwards, Great Britain's captain in the first John Smith's Test against Australia, has dropped his appeal against a ban that will keep him out of the second Test, and is now looking towards the third.

Edwards was due to appeal this morning against the three- match suspension imposed for his high tackle on Bradley Clyde at Wembley on Saturday.

But he has listened to some good advice, which has stressed the danger of a new panel increasing rather than shortening the ban.

'I have thought long and hard overnight about the ban and have decided to accept the punishment without appeal,' Edwards said. 'I certainly received a fair hearing and I would like to say again how sorry I am for what happened.

'Captaining Great Britain was the proudest moment of my career. All I want to do now is be there at Elland Road for the third Test.'

Edwards will be available for that match on 20 November, but his problem is that he will not have played before then.

Wales are still hoping that their captain and Great Britain's Wembley match-winner, Jonathan Davies, will be fit to face Australia in Cardiff on Sunday.

Davies has been named in a 20-man squad, despite damaging his shoulder in the Test. Also included are Anthony Sullivan and Allan Bateman, both of whom are subject to fitness doubts.

The other talking points are the likelihood of using Jonathan Griffiths at hooker and the inclusion of league's two most recent recruits, Scott Gibbs and Scott Quinnell, the latter of whom has not yet played a first team match.

Sheffield Eagles' two Test players, Daryl Powell and Lee Jackson, are both doubtful for tonight's game against the tourists.