Jared Waerea-Hargreaves Cleared to Play in Super League Final

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, a notable figure in New Zealand rugby league, will have the opportunity to conclude his illustrious career with a potential Super League championship. His three-match ban was overturned just days before the March 10, 2024 grand final, where the Hull Kingston Rovers will face the Wigan Warriors.

The 36-year-old veteran faced disciplinary action following a Grade C head contact incident involving Jon Bennison of St Helens during a semifinal match. Bennison left the field after failing a head injury assessment, but no immediate penalties were issued during the game. Subsequently, Waerea-Hargreaves received a ban based on the Super League’s disciplinary points system.

However, the Hull Kingston Rovers successfully appealed this decision. As a result, Waerea-Hargreaves has been declared eligible to play in the grand final, marking a significant moment in his career as he aims to help the team secure their first Super League title since 1985.

In an official statement, the Rugby Football League (RFL) confirmed the appeal’s success, stating, “The RFL’s independent Operational Rules Tribunal upheld the player’s not guilty plea. He is therefore free to play in the grand final.”

This match carries heightened stakes for Waerea-Hargreaves, who has been a cornerstone of the sport in New Zealand and a significant player in the Super League. His return to the field not only excites fans but also adds to the narrative of a grand final that promises to be memorable.

As the Hull Kingston Rovers prepare for this crucial encounter, the anticipation builds around Waerea-Hargreaves’ performance. The grand final will take place in front of thousands of supporters, eager to witness a remarkable conclusion to both the match and the player’s storied career.