“He’s gone down way too easy” – Daryl Powell and Jon Wilkin give their verdict on controversial Liam Tindall yellow card

After an encouraging first 20 minutes, things unravelled for Leeds at the DW Stadium yesterday as they were soundly beaten 34-12 by Wigan.

The Warriors were inspired by hat-trick hero Jai Field who has certainly been the best player of the first two rounds. However, had Leeds pressed on after the first quarter, it could have been a different story.

The Rhinos led 6-0 thanks to a lovely debut try from Blake Austin and looked like heading in for another try when the brilliant Liam Tindall sored down the wing out pacing Liam Marshall. He looked headed for his second ever Super League try and a Super League moment to top the amazing mesmeric run he went on during his debut in 2020 against Catalans, until Jai Field came up with a game-changing tackle to give Wigan the momentum.

The next hour was pretty much all Wigan and, as the Rhinos were getting beaten on every front, it went from bad to worse when Tindall’s first Super League appearance since the summer of 2021 ended early when he was shown a yellow card for a professional foul on Marshall.

He was deemed to have taken out Marshall as the pair chased a kick in behind. However, those on Sky Sports believe the decision wasn’t correct.

When asked if it was a yellow card, guest on the show and Warrington Wolves Head Coach Daryl Powell said: “I don’t think so. He’s gone down way too easy there. It may be a penalty, maybe a penalty, but it’s certainly not a yellow.”

Former Super League Champion and new regular on Sky Sports, Jon Wilkin agreed with Powell saying: “It’s just not a yellow is it? It’s never a yellow card. Marshall knows he’s not getting there, he takes a bit of a dive. It’s an easy, fan pleasing decision to give a yellow card. It’s not a yellow.”

However, it came as no surprise with more cards being shown in the opening two rounds of the season with three red cards being brandished in the opening six games.