The opening round of the Betfred Super League season was a huge success as a record number of fans attended the games but there was still a number of Super League disciplinary concerns.
The rivalry between Hull FC and Hull KR kicked off the season with an exciting match, which Hull KR won with tries from Niall Evalds, Kelepi Tanginoa, Mikey Lewis and Matt Parcell. However, the game was marred by red cards for Ligi Sao and Franklin Pele, and yellow cards for Parcell and Herman Ese’ese. Despite this, a crowd of 20,000 people witnessed the highest opening attendance since 2007.
St Helens and Leeds Rhinos also had impressive wins in front of six-figure crowds, while Leigh Leopards lost to Huddersfield Giants in front of a record opening crowd. On Saturday, Castleford Tigers‘ Liam Watts was sent off in a controversial red card incident in front of 10,000 fans at the Jungle, which led to a victory for Wigan Warriors. Catalans Dragons also defeated Warrington Wolves in a closely-fought match in front of a strong crowd in France.
The weekend’s games were full of excitement and controversy, with three close encounters between Leigh and Huddersfield, Leeds and Salford, and Catalans Dragons and Warrington Wolves. The weekend ended with St Helens on top of the table and Wigan Warriors in second place.
Super League disciplinary concerns
Liam Watts was sent his marching orders as Castleford Tigers hosted Wigan Warriors in the opening round of Super League. – Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 17/02/2024 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 1 – Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors – the Mend A Hose Jungle, Castleford, England – Referee Tom Grant red-cards Castleford s Liam Watts r as Joe Westerman looks on in disbelief. Castleford Mend A Hose Jungle
The obvious club with Super League disciplinary concerns is Hull KR. They are likely to lose all three of the carded players in the shape of Herman Ese’ese, Franklin Pele and Ligi Sao. Matt Parcell of Hull KR could also be in trouble.
As for Leigh Leopards, John Asiata and Ricky Leutele were both sin binned for a professional foul and then high shot respectively. The latter is a much more threatening disciplinary concern.
Elsewhere on Friday night, Leeds Rhinos lost Paul Momirovski to a yellow card and Salford Red Devils lost Ryan Brierley and Amir Bourouh to yellow cards. There will be worries over Momirovski and Brierley’s high tackle.
On Saturday, Catalans lost Micky McIlorum to a red card for contact with the head. Jordy Crowther yellow card for contact with the head but less force for Warrington.
Castleford and Wigan was the most controversial game with Liam Watts sent off. Wigan will be worrying over Kaide Ellis and Harry Smith ahead of the World Club Challenge.
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