The future of suspended Heworth ARL coach Keith Loft will be revealed tomorrow night.

Loft had his appeal against his two-year ban heard last night and will be told of the club's decision at a committee meeting tomorrow.

He put forward his case to three of the club's trustees - Peter Ulliott, Richard Gray and president Barry Jackson - who made up the appeal panel.

The trio also met with a number of the first team squad members, many of whom have refused to play as a result of Loft's suspension, to hear their views.

Ulliott told the Evening Press: "It was very amicable.

"They had a few views which we listened to and some things we will take on board.

"We will now meet with the committee on Thursday. That is when the people who need to know what has happened will find out."

Heworth struggled to field a full team for their match at Wigan St Judes ten days ago following Loft's suspension for a breach of club rules.

They would have faced the same problem last Saturday, but their home game with Siddal was called off because of the state of the pitch.

This Saturday they are due to travel to Rochdale Mayfield for a National Conference League first division fixture and the make-up of the side could be determined by the outcome of Loft's appeal.

Club spokesman Ken Sykes said: "There was a good turnout of players last night for the meeting but it's not clear how many went out and trained.

"It will depend on who trains on Thursday as to who plays on Saturday but we will be putting a side out to play Rochdale Mayfield."

Heworth do not have an 'A' team fixture this weekend so they will have the second string regulars to call on to make up the numbers if necessary.

l Australian prop forward Jamie Mathiou will make his comeback from injury for Leeds Rhinos in Friday's Dale Laughton testimonial match against Huddersfield and Sheffield Giants at Headingley.

It will be the first match for Mathiou, who underwent knee surgery in the close season, to impress under the guidance of new Rhinos coach Dean Lance.

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