Jon Wilkin slams “naughty” Super League star

Leigh Leopards are battling with Wigan Warriors and St Helens for a spot in the top two and the reward of a home semi-final in the Betfred Super League play-offs but all three are chasing Catalans Dragons at the top as well in a race for the League Leaders’ Shield.

This made Saturday’s game between Leigh and Catalans a huge match in the context of the season but it didn’t take long for a yellow card to be shown.

Mike McMeeken was sin binned for a late hit on John Asiata with the loose-forward dropping awkwardly.

Referee Jack Smith said: “You’re very late and there is no attempt to wrap.”

He was unimpressed as was Jon Wilkin who slammed the “cynical” and “naughty” actions from the England international.

In terms 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.

The match was settled with another try for the Leopards as Manu Ma’u grounded another kick.