John Asiata cited again for low tackle

The Match Review Panel met today as Wigan Warriors, Hull FC, St Helens, Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves stars found themselves in hot water.

St Helens, Wigan and Hull FC were the three clubs who suffered bans in the shape of James Bell, Kaide Ellis and Brad Fash.

11 players were charged and of course many more incidents were cited by the panel but not punished.

Leigh Leopards star John Asiata was among them and was cited for another low tackle.

His time he avoided a ban for a lack of pressure on the limbs.

The panel said: “Player contacts opponent low but does not apply pressure to the opponent’s leg.”

This comes after he was at the centre of a storm after low tackles injured Alex Walmsley and Agnatius Paasi in the Challenge Cup semi-final.

Paul Wellens at the time said on BBC Radio Merseyside:

“It is important to consider here is that this isn’t an emotional response to losing a cup game. I congratulate Leigh wholeheartedly for the way they played at the weekend and I wish them well in the final in a few weeks time,” he said.

“But what we have to consider here is when we are making decisions about tackling in that manner, we give the green light to coaches and players at all levels, including the community game, we give players the green light for players to tackle like that.

“I sit here as someone who loves the game, that doesn’t sit with me well.”

Following the latest round of Betfred Super League fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Charges

Ben Garcia – Catalans Dragons – Dangerous Throw – B – £250 Fine
Matty English – Huddersfield Giants – High Tackle – B – £250 Fine
Olly Russell – Huddersfield Giants – Tripping – B – £250 Fine
Brad Fash – Hull FC – Other Contrary Behaviour – B – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Darnell McIntosh – Hull FC – Dangerous Contact – B – £250 Fine
Joe Cator – Hull FC – Tripping – B – £250 Fine
Sam Lisone – Leeds Rhinos – Tripping – B – £250 Fine
Matt Davis – Leigh Leopards – High Tackle – B – £250 Fine
James Bell – St Helens – Dangerous Contact – B- 1 Match Penalty Notice
Daryl Clark – Warrington Wolves – Tripping – B – £250 Fine
Kaide Ellis – Wigan Warriors – Dangerous Contact – B – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Cautions

Jack Brown – Hull FC – Other Contrary Behaviour – N/A – N/A