Jon Wilkin accuses star player of “putting himself in danger” to get opponent sent off

Leigh Leopards, Wigan Warriors, St Helens and league leaders Catalans Dragons are all fighting for positions at the top which is why today’s game at Leigh Sports Village was so key between Leigh and Catalans and also explains why it was so fiery.

There were a number of questionable moments in the game including a tip tackle from Michael McIlorum on former Warrington Wolves star Rob Mulhern.

However, he avoided a card for this tackle because Jack Smith agreed with the hooker when he said: “He’s dipped his head down.”

This came as Jon Wilkin said on Sky Sports: “Rob Mulhern knows what he is doing there. He has put himself into a dangerous position to get Michael McIlorum on the radar of the official.”

Penalties were the story of the game. A late hit from Mike McMeeken and a yellow card saw Leigh nail an early penalty to make it 2-0.

Then, after a Sam Tomkins blunder, an inside ball from John Asiata allowed Tom Amone to tear through and score. He rounded the cover defence for a great try.

Catalans Dragons definitely needed to score next and they came up with a response after Zak Hardaker gave away a penalty. Mitchell Pearce stabbed a kick behind and touched down himself to score.

The Dragons were now on top and stormed 12-8 ahead with a try from Paul Seguier. A great set play from the Dragons with attacking players doubling up on defenders allowing Seguier to carve through.

But then another yellow card for Catalans, this time to Michael McIlorum, paved the way for Leigh to score with Ben Nakubuwai burrowing over from the penalty allowing Ben Reynolds to nail a penalty and make it 14-12.

Then a mess at the back nearly led to a try for Wigan Warriors bound Adam Keighran after a ball bounced off a defender but he was unable to ground the loose ball.

But shortly after Catalans took the lead again when Hull KR bound Tyrone May kicked behind for Tom Davies to score.

May was in the mood in the second half as he dummied, bounced off Ben Reynolds and carved inside wrong footing Ben Nakubuwai who was missing his boot.