Jon Wilkin highlights “incredibly dangerous” tackles from Leigh Leopards on St Helens stars

Yesterday Leigh Leopards and St Helens served up one of the best Challenge Cup semi-finals in years at Warrington Wolves’ Halliwell Jones Stadium.

The Saints had the better of the first 40 completely dominating the Leopards. They rolled Adrian Lam’s side down the field at ease and heaped the pressure on the Leopards.

They scored the opening try as Joey Lussick burrowed over from close range on his farewell appearance for the Saints.

In a moment that summed up the near perfection of the Saints in the first half, Lussick also named a 40/20 from inside his own 20 which reached the opposition 10.

However, Saints couldn’t add to their lead with Tommy Makinson having a try denied by a great cover tackle by Josh Charnley.

Makinson also missed a penalty on the stroke of halftime.

Then in the second half Leigh stormed in front as Oliver Holmes carved through on a great line before Zak Hardaker won the race to a Lachlan Lam grubber kick.

Sione Mata’utia was sin binned allowing Ben Reynolds to kick a penalty and make it 12-6 which was crucial with Jonny Lomax scoring late in the game but Makinson missing the shot at goal.

A great win for Leigh but there were a few things that went their way such as injuries for a few St Helens players including Agnatius Paasi.

This came from a very powerful tackle targeted at his legs and Jon Wilkin took to Instagram to label these kinds of tackle as “incredibly dangerous.”

“Lot of talk about tackle height, these may be the most dangerous tackles I’ve seen. Two players seasons over,” he said on his Instagram story.

“I’m sure it’s not malicious, but it’s incredibly dangerous.”

This could be a huge blow in what many people have been calling St Helens’ “drive for five.”

They are chasing a fifth consecutive Super League title and have been considered favourites for much of the season by the vast majority of fans and pundits.

Though this is a blow, the Saints have proven in the past that they can cope with injuries winning the Grand Final last year without Alex Walmsley.