Actions of Leigh Leopards star branded as “pathetic” by pundit

Leigh Leopards are your 2023 Challenge Cup winners after defeating Hull KR in a terrific final at Wembley yesterday that was decided by a golden point drop goal from Lachlan Lam, his first at first team level.

However, there were plenty of other moments that mounted up to work against the Robins as they went on to lose a very tight game.

Some will question the decision not to award a penalty try to the Robins after a Tom Briscoe error as Tom Opacic broke clear.

But on top of that, Elliot Minchella was sin binned for an incident that also saw Leigh pick up a further two points.

This divided opinion and there has even been a suggestion that the yellow card was milked by Ben Reynolds by staying down after the contact which was branded as “pathetic” by Johnathon Davies on BBC.

“I think that is a little harsh. I can understand they are trying to protect the player but there was no malice in that. They should just get on with the game,” he said.

“It’s getting a little pathetic now, players trying to get other players sent off. Just get on with the game.

“This is a Challenge Cup Final, players work their socks off to get into this position and the referee then goes and does that.

“For me that is very unlucky, the elbow was there, he didn’t lead with it though. I think that is harsh.

“Yes it is clumsy, the ref said there was no wrapping of the arm, but that’s a big call. The coach won’t be happy but this is a big 10 minutes now.”

Despite this, it is hard to argue against the decision given that replays showed that Elliot Minchella made contact with Ben Reynolds with the elbow.

In fact, had the contact been a little higher up he could have faced a red card for direct contact to the head.

To Hull KR’s credit they hung in there and and ended the half just two points behind the Leopards with the score 10-8 giving the platform to fight back and level matters in the second half.