During the Dragons’ first division 26-6 loss to Oberon on July 17, Sutton was dismissed for spitting and a racial slur, with both acts resulting in detrimental conduct charges.

He was found guilty of the two charges at the Group 10 judiciary on July 21, copping a two-year-ban – Sutton will be free to play again after September 30, 2018.

The Mudgee club isn’t disputing the acts deserved punishment, but is appealing the severity of both charges, which were deemed as serious by the match review panel.

“It’s definitely disappointing,” Dragons president Rob O’Connor said.

“Hartley is one of our young players and we thought the punishment to be a bit harsh.”

The club confirmed it has taken its appeal of the decision to the Country Rugby League, but it yet to have the case heard.

Group 10 president Linore Zamparini said the competition had no place for such behaviour and backed the punishment handed down by the judiciary.

“I’d hope a penalty like this would certainly act as a deterrent for other players,” he said.

It’s the biggest suspension handed down to a Group 10 player since Lithgow gun Jono Van Veen copped a 16-month ban after being found guilty of three separate incidents stemming from a qualifying semi-final loss to Orange CYMS in August 2013.