Jack Smith explains why St Helens star wasn’t sent off

Warrington Wolves need to win tonight as they battle against Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR and Salford Red Devils for the final two play off spots but a win tonight was always going to be hard to come by against a team like St Helens.

The Wolves may feel like they should have had a man advantage for a spell after two high tackles from Tommy Makinson.

However, the comments from Jack Smith show good refereeing and explain why there was no card shown.

He could be heard on Sky Sports saying to protesting Warrington players: “He’s going to ground so it’s just a penalty.”

It was a clash between two of the top six and two sides dreaming of Old Trafford with the Super League and World Champions St Helens hoping to complete a trio of wins over their rivals Warrington Wolves who were desperate to win to all but secure their play off spot.

It was also an emotional night as the club also said farewell to the likes of Daryl Clark who skippered the side on the night.

The emotions could have been added motivation for Warrington but if it was it was quickly sucked out of the game by St Helens’ utterly dominant defence penning the Wolves deep.

However, as they tried to do this, at one stage they landed themselves in trouble when Tommy Makinson chased a quick hard and as he tried to force a goal line drop out he caught his opponent high and was penalised.

It was unlucky with his opposite number low but he was still penalised and Paul Wellens was clearly unhappy as the Sky cameras panned to a very unimpressed Paul Wellens.

Bill Arthur said: “Well Paul Wellens is clearly not impressed by that penalty.”

Despite this minor set back, the Saints continued to turn the screw and eventually the Saints got the opening try of the game.

After a lose Warrington Wolves offload, the Saints had another attacking set at the Warrington Wolves line and the Super League and World Champions took advantage.

The returning Curtis Sironen found some space and carved through to score.

Mark Percival kicked the goal and the Saints took an early 6-0 lead. He would score the Saints’ next try cutting a lovely line after a sweeping move.