Huddersfield Giants’ Will Pryce handed 10-game suspension – but feared getting more

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The 19-year-old England Knights international was handed a huge suspension for a horror tackle on Hull FC’s Connor Wynne but knows things could have been worse

Huddersfield Giants star Will Pryce was hit with a huge TEN game ban but admitted: “I thought they were going to ban me for the year.”

The England Knights’ 19-year-old was suspended by an independent court on Tuesday night after being sent off for a dangerous throw at Hull’s Connor Wynne. One of the rising stars of the Betfred Super League, the rueful Pryce said: “They’re going against all kinds of things this year.

“And knowing that Luke Gale got five games for what he did, I thought I was going to be out for the season. They initially pushed for 12 games but we brought my case and I explained there was no malice and it was just a freak accident.

“I know I was wrong. I was just happy to see that Connor was okay. I was just glad that he was able to get up easily and immediately went over to apologize. I also messaged him after the game to make sure he was fine and safe and well. I just didn’t realize how far he had fallen when it happened.”

Huddersfield were losing 14-0 at that point and were struggling to break Hull as they went into the final period of Sunday’s game, which ended in a 14-6 loss.

Wynne landed heavily on his head in a clearly dangerous position. Pryce, who may not play again until June, added: “People can tell I was frustrated but it wasn’t.

“I never planned for this to happen. I just put energy into the duel, but I know I need to control it better.

“I will learn from what happened. It’s not a technical problem. It’s about putting everything in play and trying to stop him from doing what he can do. But obviously I didn’t get it right. I regret the challenge and I fully accept that it is my fault. I take full responsibility for that.”

Pryce – son of former St Helens and Britain star Leon – had a breakthrough season last year and was billed as a big hit in 2022. When asked how he will deal with the forced release, he admitted: “I’ve never faced this kind of adversity before.

“I’ve never been banned so it’s something new. I’ll keep working hard and training hard and trying to fix my body so when I come back I can make a difference.”

He had been referred to the tribunal by the Match Review Panel on a Level F charge. Pryce was also fined £500.