Leeds Rhinos boss backs controversial disciplinary decision

Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur has backed the controversial decision not to ban his forward Sam Lisone after the prop was widely deemed by fans to have been lucky to avoid a red card.

Lisone had seemingly made contact with the head and neck of Huddersfield’s Olly Russell during Leeds Rhinos’ 34-6 victory last Thursday, however, the incident was missed by the on-field referee and instead, put on report by the video referee.

With the video referee having adjudged the incident to be worthy of going on report, it was widely expected that Lisone would be banned, however, at Monday’s Match Review Panel, he escaped without punishment.

Lisone also avoided any further punishment for his involvement in a melee for which he was sin-binned, meaning he is available for the all-important clash with Salford Red Devils tomorrow.

At the time of the incident, Sky Sports’ Brian Carney argued that it could have been a six-month ban if it had occurred in Round One whilst Jon Wilkin demanded a law change after it was missed.

Now, Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur has had his say.

Leeds Rhinos Quiz: Can you name these former Super League players? #2

What Leeds Rhinos’ head coach had to say

Speaking to the press ahead of the crunch four-pointer against the fifth-placed Red Devils, Arthur explained that Lisone’s contact and initial carry were actually “textbook”.

“Look, I wasn’t really because it felt like he led with his shoulder and that was the first part of contact and then his arm did become involved but that was like after the initial bump and collision,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.

“By the time his elbow became in that position, a little bit sideways and connected, like the initial contact and collision, it was all textbook.”

Of course, no suspension means that the prop is available to them which is a welcome boost. Another boost has been confirmed as well for Leeds Rhinos with Arthur providing a fitness update on Mikolaj Oledzki.

Asked about him, Arthur explained: “He had a light week but it probably wouldn’t hurt him off the back of what was a five-day turnaround last week and the forwards really front-loaded their effort and they were nice and physical.

“What’s important for us is that he’s able to produce tomorrow and give us what he’s got collision-wise so we’ve just looked after him a bit but he’s trained today and he’s fine.”

A win for Leeds Rhinos will keep their playoff hopes alive but defeat and results for both Catalans and St Helens would leave the Rhinos six points adrift with just seven games to go.