Ex official suggests match review panel will look at star for “putting himself into dangerous position”

We saw some big games at the weekend as Leeds Rhinos defeated Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors down Hull FC in golden point, Castleford Tigers take a massive step towards survival against Wakefield Trinity and there was a big clash at the top of the league as Leigh Leopards came up short against Catalans Dragons.

It was a game laced with controversy as Jack Smith was left to make some big calls throughout the game especially in the first half.

Michael McIlorum was in trouble for a late hit and was sin binned for his hit on John Asiata and in the second half he was again in trouble for putting Rob Mulhern into a dangerous position.

Leigh fans wanted a red card but because Jack Smith agreed with McIlorum that Mulhern dipped his head down, he avoided a ban.

Interestingly, some fans have called for action against Rob Mulhern for his role in the tackle.

Former official Ian Smith though revealed that this will likely be looked at by the Match Review Panel.

That’s for the MRP ago deal with

— Ian Smith (@Iansmith2468) August 19, 2023

Jon Wilkin believed he dipped his head intentionally to try and get McIlorum sent off.

He said: “Rob Mulhern knows what he is doing there. He has put himself into a dangerous position to put McIlorum on the officials radar.”

In terms of the game, a late hit from Mike McMeeken and a yellow card saw Leigh nail an early penalty to make it 2-0.

Then, after a Sam Tomkins blunder, an inside ball from John Asiata allowed Tom Amone to tear through and score. He rounded the cover defence for a great try.

Catalans Dragons definitely needed to score next and they came up with a response after Zak Hardaker gave away a penalty. Mitchell Pearce stabbed a kick behind and touched down himself to score.

The Dragons were now on top and stormed 12-8 ahead with a try from Paul Seguier. A great set play from the Dragons with attacking players doubling up on defenders allowing Seguier to carve through.

But then another yellow card for Catalans, this time to Michael McIlorum, paved the way for Leigh to score with Ben Nakubuwai burrowing over from the penalty allowing Ben Reynolds to nail a penalty and make it 14-12.

Then a mess at the back nearly led to a try for Wigan Warriors bound Adam Keighran after a ball bounced off a defender but he was unable to ground the loose ball.

But shortly after Catalans took the lead again when Hull KR bound Tyrone May kicked behind for Tom Davies to score.

May was in the mood in the second half as he dummied, bounced off Ben Reynolds and carved inside wrong footing Ben Nakubuwai who was missing his boot.

The match was settled with another try for the Leopards as Manu Ma’u grounded another kick.