Ex-St Helens man Jon Wilkin attracts anger for controversial praise of Richie Myler incident in Leeds Rhinos win

Leeds Rhinos just about overcame Huddersfield Giants last night with the game live on Sky Sports.

However, there were a number of flashpoints, including a controversial incident in the dying minutes of the game when Leeds’ Richie Myler appeared to throw his legs into the air in a Chris Hill tackle.

That tackle led to Hill being sinbinned by referee Jack Smith as the Rhinos went up the other field and scored in their next set through Blake Austin.

It was slammed far and wide by social media users, but Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin came out with some outrageous comments, praising the diminutive figure for his gamesmanship.

“He’s milked it,” Wilkin said on Sky Sports.

“It’s beautiful from Richie Myler, he flicks his legs in the air and creates a dangerous situation.

He’s won his side a penalty he’s going to get a play sinbinned; it’s genius from Richie Myler, genius.

“Richie Myler has created that situation and bailed out on it. Incredibly smart, whatever you think about gamesmanship in the game, that’s smart from Richie Myler.”

Wilkin continued: “It’s a game and he wants to go and win a game.

“If he wants to win it like that, fine. When his head hits the pillow tonight he will sleep, won’t he?

“He won’t be worrying about this if his side go on and win the game.”

It certainly attracted the ire of viewers with many in disbelief that the former St Helens man had praised Myler for his act.

Leeds ended up winning that decisive game by an 18-14 margin after Austin went over from a Brad Dwyer dart, and, with Rhyse Martin on target once more, the Rhinos consolidated their place within the top six.

It now looks increasingly likely that Rohan Smith’s men will finish in the play-offs with Salford Red Devils and Castleford Tigers still chasing that elusive sixth spot.