James Bentley has been slapped with an extended ban after Leeds Rhinos unsuccessfully appealed his high tackle charge.
The Rhinos had challenged the grading of the offence, which had been initially cited as a Grade C high-tackle charge which constitutes a three-match ban.
However, this was rejected and in a further blow, an additional game was added to his suspension due to the challenge being deemed frivolous.
It's news that is likely to incense the Rhinos hierarchy, who had carefully contemplated whether to appeal to ban.
As a result, Bentley now misses four matches, which will see him miss games against Wigan Warriors, Catalans Dragons, Wakefield Trinity and Hull FC.
Bentley was dismissed 16 minutes into his debut due to a high tackle on Warrington halfback Gareth Widdop.
The Rhinos eventually lost the match 22-20, despite playing over an hour with a man less.
They will now be without Bentley for the foreseeable, a blow to Richard Agar and his plans for the opening rounds.
