Smith free to face Penrith for Wigan after escaping ban

St Helen's teamm
Wigan's Harry Smith escaped a ban and can aid their hopes of emulating St Helen's win over Penrith. -AAP Image

Harry Smith is free to feature in Wigan's World Club Challenge clash with Penrith after escaping a ban for his tip-tackle on Castleford's Luke Hooley in Friday night's Super League opener.

Wigan are seeking to make it back-to-back wins for English clubs after St Helen's beat Penrith Down Under last year. 

Smith, 24, was sent to the sin bin following the incident but received a Grade B charge because the RFL's match review panel found that "the unnatural actions of the tackled player significantly contributed to the outcome of the tackle". 

Grade B charges generally incur a one-match ban, but previous conduct can provide a mitigating circumstance and the halfback, a pivotal figure in Wigan's hopes of emulating St Helens on Saturday, got away with a £250 ($A480) fine.