John Asiata speaks out on criticism of his tackle technique

After defeating Wigan Warriors and St Helens in the semi-finals, Hull KR and Leigh Leopards are heading to Wembley for the Challenge Cup Final this weekend.

The two teams are chasing a dream. Hull KR are looking to end a 30 year wait to win the Challenge Cup and are looking to wash out the bad taste of losing 50-0 in 2015 in the final against Leeds Rhinos.

Leigh meanwhile are looking to win a first Challenge Cup since 1971 when they defeated Leeds.

It is a great story for Leigh but their semi-final win was overshadowed by the saga around John Asiata.

The loose-forward injured four St Helens players with low tackles in the semi-final against the Saints.

Paul Wellens slammed the fact Asiata avoided a ban and noted his belief that the tackle technique was dangerous.

Now Asiata has spoken out on this and defended himself.

“What has happened, I feel bad for all of the players [who were injured], but I think what has happened has also made me stronger as a person and just believing in what I do,” he said to Sky Sports.

“The way I compete in rugby league, I give my all. I don’t go out there and do 50-50 things. If go out there and I injure myself, I injure myself because I’m giving everything I got. I told the boys I’d do everything it takes for my team to make sure we get the victory.

“That means I don’t go out there to do anything to hurt someone. It’s a tough sport, things happen quickly, it’s very physical and it’s probably the most physical sport around the world.”

He also admitted that it was hard for his family with some comments made about him:

“It was more tough for my family because I don’t like them seeing things being said about me, and that’s probably the hardest part because I can’t control their emotions or anything going on in their heads.”

Asiata will now have the chance to lead Leigh out at Wembley in a Challenge Cup Final making history as he does as Leigh chase Derek Beaumont dream.