“Beyond a joke” – Richard Silverwood responds to “wrong” decision as he calls for big change

It was another big weekend of Super League as Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR served up a golden point thriller as Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves collided on a weekend that saw a so called “Grand Final dress rehearsal” as St Helens and Catalans Dragons met.

There were two big games in the relegation battle too. On Friday, Wakefield Trinity’s good form with an impressive win at the John Smith’ Stadium.

This gave Castleford Tigers an opportunity to take advantage and take a four point lead on Wakefield in the fight for survival but they came up short against Hull FC.

On Sunday the action concluded with a top notch clash between Salford Red Devils and Leigh Leopards who were looking to consolidate second in the league.

The Red Devils took the lead after a loose pass found Ken Sio who went over in the corner to make it 4-0.

Leigh meanwhile hit back as John Asiata flicked a pass out to Ed Chamberlain to score to give the Leopards the lead when Ben Reynolds converted.

Leigh soon led 10-4 when Ricky Leutele powered over despite a resurgent effort in defence from the Red Devils.

Marc Sneyd then nailed a massive 40/20 before a neat passing play put King Vuniyayawa over that levelled matters. Salford then had a try controversially disallowed before Andy Ackers gave the Red Devils the lead as he darted over to make it 16-10.

Their lead went out to 22-10 when Tim Lafai broke through and then Ben Halliwell grounded Brodie Croft’s kick.

Leigh, though with a number of players like star man Edwin Ipape rested, hit back when Lachlan Lam took Tom Amone’s offload to score.

The Leopards would then level matters after Zak Hardaker was on hand to capitalise on chaos out wide.

Ben Reynolds levelled matters with the goal. Salford had the first effort at the drop goal which sailed whilst Leigh moved forward and Salford gave away a penalty allowing Reynolds to nail a penalty goal to give Leigh the lead.

They held on to win 24-22. It is a game that underlines Leigh Leopards as title contenders and gets them ready for the semi-final next week at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Salford’s play-off spot remains in peril. However, Salford fans felt aggrieved again by some decisions namely the awarding of Ricky Leutele’s try after footage has emerged seemingly showing the centre well in touch and potentially short of the line.

Former official Richard Silverwood has now said that it was the “wrong” call but this could have been prevented if the sport had a video referee at every game saying it is “beyond a joke” that this isn’t the case:

“Yes it’s the wrong call but those decisions in corners aren’t easy live. Not having VR at every game is getting beyond a joke now. I can’t believe it’s been allowed to happen all these years.”