Pryce: I feared they may ban me for rest of season
HUDDERSFIELD Giants star Will Pryce feared he would be banned for the rest of the season for his horror challenge on Hull’s Connor Wynne.
The 19-year-old was suspended for 10 matches by and independent tribunal on Tuesday after being sent off for a dangerous throw in Sunday’s Betfred Super League game.
Pryce has accepted the ban on the chin, and says he will learn from what he did.
But has revealed that with the league cracking down on discipline this season, he could have been ruled out until next year!
“They are clamping down on all sorts of stuff this year,” said the stand-off.
“And knowing Luke Gale got five games for what he did, I did think I’d be out for the season.
“They were pushing for 12 games at first but we put my case forward and I explained how there was no malice there and it was just a freak accident.
“I know I got it wrong. I was just happy to see Connor was OK.
“I was simply glad he was able to get up fine and I went over to apologise straight away.
“I messaged him after the game as well to make sure he was OK and safe and well.
“I just didn’t realise how far he’d flipped over when it happened.”
Giants were losing 14-0 at the time and were struggling to break Hull down as they headed into the latter stages of Sunday’s game which ended with a 14-6 defeat.
Wynne landed heavily on his head and Pryce, who might not play again until June, told the Examiner’s sister paper the Mirror: “People can say it was down to me being frustrated but it wasn’t that.
“I never planned for that to happen. I was just putting energy into the tackle but I know I need to control it better.
“I will learn from what happened.
“It’s not a technique problem. It’s about putting everything into the game and trying to stop him doing what he can do.
“But obviously I didn’t get it right. I regret the challenge and I fully accept it’s my fault. I take full responsibility for that.”
Pryce – son of ex-St Helens and Great Britain star Leon enjoyed a breakthrough season last year and was tipped to be a big hit this season, with NRL clubs having shown an interest in the England Knights youngsters.
Asked how he will deal with the enforced lay-off, he admitted: “I’ve never faced this type of adversity before.
“I’ve never been banned so it’s something new.
“I’ll keep working hard and training hard and trying to get my body right so that when I do come back I can make a difference.”