Long in action earlier in the season

Long and St Helens team-mate Martin Gleeson were suspended for putting money on Bradford to beat Saints at Easter, a match the Bulls won 54-8.

"I definitely don't think the punishment was fair, it was way too harsh," he told the Wigan Evening Post.

"We've just got to put it behind us. We decided not to challenge the judgement as it has cost us enough already."

Neither Long nor Gleeson have trained with their team-mates since the suspensions came into force.

Gleeson, who will not play for his club again until next season, admits returning to Knowsley Road would be too painful.

"Can you imagine what it would be like for us? It would tip you over the edge," he said.

"Training with the other lads, going through the drills but having no game at the end of the week would do my head in."