Huddersfield Giants boss set for ‘word’ with officials as he reveals lessons learnt and motorway rescue

Huddersfield Giants head coach will ask questions to the officials after the club’s narrow loss to Leigh Leopards, with Luke Robinson pointing to a lack of penalties and a contentious moment at the end of the game.

The Giants lost 28-24 with a late surge almost taking them to victory, however, Leigh recovered the ball from Tui Lolohea’s kick in the final minute to end the game.

Edwin Ipape was the man who eventually landed on the ball and there were suggestions that he was in an offside position and Robinson explained how his players urged captain Leroy Cudjoe to challenge, however, Captain’s Challenges can only be used when there is a stop in play.

Speaking post-match, Robinson explained there’s a lesson to be learnt from that going forward.

“The players were screaming at Leroy to captain’s challenge but you can’t,” he explained.

“On reflection, I said next time give a penalty away. When you know something is wrong then just give a penalty and rip it then once the game is stopped then you can go for a captain’s challenge.

“That’s probably a lesson on our behalf, if we feel like the ref or touch judge haven’t seen something then stop the game and give a penalty so hopefully it does go our way.”

Huddersfield Giants star recovered from motorway by teammate

That wasn’t the only call that Robinson had issues with as the Huddersfield Giants boss actually highlighted the fact his side barely got any calls, explaining that it’s something he needs to speak to someone in the officiating department about.

He said: “We don’t get much help, I don’t know if I’m going to have a word with somebody but we don’t get penalties ever. We just don’t get penalties.

“I think last week they gave us one with about a minute to go till half time when the half was over and this week it was 55 or 60 minutes before we got one.”

Robinson admitted: “I need to work out what we can do as a team or what we’re not doing and why we’re not getting penalties. Maybe it’s something we’re doing or not doing but it’s a question I need to ask.”

The Giants boss also explained how star man Tui Lolohea almost missed the game and would have if not for the sacrifice of another one of his teammates.

“Tui actually got stuck on the motorway, there was an accident on the M62,” the Giants boss explained.

“Cluney and them saw it and managed to get off but Tui, along with Jake Webster who is part of the coaching staff now, (are still there).”

Forward Jack Billington, who has joined Sheffield Eagles on loan for the remainder of the season, was roped in to help recover Lolohea in an act that Robinson argued was ‘testament’ to the young forward.

He explained: “I got Jack Billington to drive up. Tui had said he was pretty much at junction 23 and could see the A-road so said if someone could get there, then they could swap cars.

“Jack Billington got to the A-road, Tui got out and got in his car and drove down. The problem for Billington is that he’s still sat there right now. Him and Jake Webster have just face-timed us, Tui is going to take some food up to him now and give him a big thank-you.

“It’s a testament to Jack who is a really good lad and has put the team first. We owe him a few beers.”