Super League star could face controversial ban as Jon Wilkin has say on incident

For the first time in Super League history and the first time since 1980, Salford Red Devils defeated St Helens away from home in Round Four of the Betfred Super League.

The game was tipped in their favour arguably by the sending off of Mark Percival but they still required the heroics of Deon Cross.

Speaking to the club’s YouTube channel, the England Knights international was well aware of the history and says it’s amazing to be a part of the team who has ‘rewritten the history books’.

“Every time we come here we have a big emphasis on the history of the club and the last time they won here, so a pretty special night,” he said.

“To go 44 years without winning, we’re part of that history now, we’ve rewritten the history books and it was amazing to be a part of that team tonight.”

The winger scored his second, and match-winning try, five minutes from time, sliding over in the corner after a piece of world class skill by Tim Lafai.

Receiving a Sam Stone pass in just one hand, the Samoan used the other to flick a trademark out the back ball for Cross to scurry over.

Speaking about that moment, Cross went on to say: “Rowls is always – when I’ve transitioned over to the wing – tipping me up saying Timmy is going to flick that ball out at any time and you’ve got to be on.

“He did it tonight and he’s pulled of an absolute worldy, hasn’t he?

“Credit to him, a big credit to the boys, I think the resilience we showed to weather the storm at Saints, I just feel like we’ve got a really good team that’s gelling together.”

Super League star set for ban

Despite the heroics of Cross there is no denying that the Percival sending off was a huge moment in the game.

Many slammed the decision, but former St Helens captain Jon Wilkin was on commentary for the game broadcast on Sky Sports and when asked for his opinion if the offence was worthy of a red card, the no-nonsense pundit was clear.

“Yes, it’s a red card,” Wilkin explained, “He hits him in the head. In the modern rules, it’s a red. It’s not like Fa’amanu Brown where it’s accidental, he makes an aggressive read and he gets it wrong.”

These comments seem to suggest Wilkin believes Percival is headed for a ban.

Had Percival not shot out of the line to try and make the tackle then Salford would have had a very strong chance at creating an overload on their right wing, hence the aggression shown defensively by the centre.