Barrie McDermott claims Super League referee is “rattled”

Former Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors star Barrie McDermott has had his say on the big game between Leigh Leopards and Catalans Dragons.

A massive game between two teams inside the top four and vying for the League Leaders’ Shield, it is a vital fixture for both sides.

This is why neither side has been willing to give their opponents an inch which has made it somewhat fiery.

Three times John Asiata has been hit late by Catalans defenders and this has led to a number of penalties for the Leopards as well as yellow cards for Mike McMeeken and Michael McIlorum.

The crowd were putting pressure on referee Jack Smith to take action from all three cases and maybe even wanted a red card.

Such was the atmosphere, Barrie McDermott suggested that Smith was “rattled.”

It comes after we saw plenty of challenges like that last night but this one was a little worse.

As Wakefield trinity and Castleford Tigers clashed, Chris Kendall was also focused on clamping down on late hits on attacking players which saw him dress down Blake Austin in the first half.

He could be heard saying: “You’ve hit him late mate, it’s not needed. It’s the second one!” he shouted,” It’s a push in the back.

“You don’t need to make that kind of contact, wrap him and take him to ground.”

Later in the game he would speak to skipper Joe Westerman saying: “In isolation that’s just a penalty but it keeps happening. Sort it out or cards will be coming out.”

Then Wakefield gave one away and he shut down their complaints saying: “It is the same as what they’ve been penalised for.”

Making the moment from McMeeken worse, the Leopards nailed the two points from the penalty and whilst McMeeken was off the field an error from Sam Tomkins handed a massive opportunity and it was one that was taken by the Leopards.

As Michael McIlorum stormed out to Asiata, he turned the ball inside to Tom Amone.

The great prop then stormed through rounding the cover defence to score the game’s opening try.

Ben Reynolds again nailed the two points and Leigh stormed into an 8-0 lead.

A great start from the Leopards and a disappointing start for the league leaders as the two battle in a vital match when it comes to the very top of the Betfred Super League table.

The question remains, which side will go on to win.