GARETH Hock will be free to resume his Leigh career later this month after successfully appealing his latest charge of making deliberate or reckless contact with match officials.

But fellow forward Jamie Acton wasn’t so fortunate at Tuesday’s disciplinary hearing at Red Hall and must serve a total seven game suspension for his part in last month’s stormy fixture against Swinton.

Hock didn’t escape scot-free, however, and was banned for three games for repeated punches in the 48-6 victory.

Skipper Micky Higham received the same length of suspension for a dangerous throw on Stephen Nash. All three were each fined £100 for their Grade D offences and started their suspensions by missing last Saturday’s 36-12 success at Whitehaven.

There were fears former England star Hock’s two charges might add up to a 10 game absence due to a past history of run-ins with referees.

Instead, the 32-year-old ex Wigan and Salford star pleaded not guilty and was found not guilty of any interference with fourth official Liam Moore at Heywood Road.

As a result, he will be available for selection for a potentially top versus second clash against London Broncos at Ealing on June 26.

He and Higham will miss Sunday’s home game with Featherstone and the following week’s visit from Workington.

Despite Acton’s punishment for offences of striking with the knees on Zach Johnson and separately throwing repeated punches he will be free to start Leigh’s Middle Eight’s campaign.

“I don’t condone foul play at all,” said coach Neil Jukes prior to the trip to Leeds. “All we were asking for is consistency and that we get treated like every other team and every other player.”

In contrast, Swinton duo Dan Fleming and Josh Barlow were charged with Grade B and Grade C offences in the same game. Fleming received two, one match bans to run concurrently while Barlow got two games for re-entering the field of play without permission.

However, with the strength of Leigh’s squad, the Centurions should be able to absorb the trio’s absences without too much damage done to their league position.

“This has probably been the hardest time of my career as a head coach regarding making some tough decisions,” said Jukes of his selection prior to victory at Whitehaven.

“But after long discussions with all the staff I made the decisions based on what I think is best for the team on every occasion.”

Playmaker Travis Burns was an instant hit on debut after joining on loan from St Helens scoring two tries and kicking three goals. It follows last month’s arrival of fellow half back, Josh Drinkwater, from Australia.

“I am happy with what we have got,” added Jukes when asked about further recruitment.

“And we have some guys who potentially we might have to look to send out on loan.

“But if we do want to get to where we want to be, it is not going to be a 17-man effort.

“In the Middle 8s we are going to need 23 or 24 really high quality players going at it.

“We are not out there scouring the world but if opportunities came up and Derek (Beaumont) supported it and felt it would be better for the club then we would look to do something.”

Prop Fuifui Moimoi is Leigh’s biggest doubt for the visit of Rovers after tweaking his knee at Whitehaven but could still retain his place.