
During Round One of the Betfred Super League, a shocking incident occurred at the Jungle, where Castleford Tigers faced off against Super League Champions Wigan Warriors in heavy rain that had turned the field into a swamp. Castleford Tigers’ star player, Liam Watts, was sent off after making direct contact with Tyler Dupree’s head while attempting to make a tackle with Joe Westerman.
This incident raised questions about the new rules implemented in 2024, with some people questioning the referee and video referee’s resolve. Earlier in the game, Kaide Ellis escaped a card for making contact with an opponent’s head because the opponent’s back was bent. Harry Smith was then sin-binned for accidentally tipping Luke Hooley onto his head during a tackle.
Despite Castleford Tigers‘ setback, Wigan Warriors managed to score tries through Patrick Mago and Bevan French, taking a 16-4 lead at halftime. They went on to win 32-4 and this only raised more questions among fans, players and officials.
Former official, Richard Silverwood even took to X to suggest that this could kill the game. He said: “Question to come of this weekend: would you rather have decent crowds watching teams go at it like a few years ago or crowds getting turned away watching an over sanitised sport? Spectators aren’t going to put up with this surely.”
Super League new trend

Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 17/02/2024 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 1 – Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors – the Mend A Hose Jungle, Castleford, England – Castleford s Joe Westerman leads his side out against Wigan. Castleford Mend A Hose Jungle England
In the opening game between Hull FC and Hull KR, Herman Ese’ese was the first player to receive a sin bin penalty for a high shot, in accordance with the new rules.
Following this, Franklin Pele was sent off for a swinging arm, and Ligi Sao was also sent off, while Matt Parcell was sin binned.
In the match at Headingley, Ryan Brierley received a sin bin penalty for a high tackle on his friend Brodie Croft. Similarly, in the game between Leigh Leopards and Huddersfield Giants, Ricky Leutele was sin binned for a late hit, and John Asiata was also shown a yellow card.
After the dismissal of Momirovski, Amir Bourouh of Salford became the ninth player to be carded.
Two additional cards were shown at the game at the Jungle.

Russell
February 19, 2024 at 2:57 pm
With rules imposed to improve and spead the game up, they have done completely the opposite. I was at Castleford, as a Wigan fan, and both sets of fans agreed that our great sport was being ruined and the entertainment factor had been reduced. So stop start, just like union. Is this the price we pay to pay. It’s the greatest sport in the world, being turned into a none contact game of touch.
John Hinch
February 19, 2024 at 10:09 pm
These new so called rules are appalling. I’m a fanatical league fan but turned 2 games off after 20 minutes. Pray the NRL doesnt follow suit : ((