Paul Wellens reveals conversation with RFL over John Asiata tackle

St Helens take on Leeds Rhinos tonight at the Totally Wicked Stadium but pre-match talk still centred around the fallout from the Challenge Cup semi-final against Leigh Leopards.

The controversy from that game initially seemed to be officiating decisions regarding a Sione Mata’utia sin bin and Zak Hardaker’s game-winning try.

However following Monday’s disciplinary in which Leigh Leopards skipper John Asiata wasn’t charged, the fallout began.

Saints revealed that both Agnatius Paasi and Alex Walmsley had suffered season-ending injuries as a result of those tackles from Asiata.

Paul Wellens impassioned press conference stated that the RFL had failed in it’s duty to protect players by ‘legalising’ those tackles after not taking action.

“What we have to consider here is when we are making decisions about tackling in that manner, we give the green light to coaches and players at all levels, including the community game, we give players the green light for players to tackle like that,” Wellens told BBC Merseyside.

The RFL then responded as follows: “Nobody wants to see injuries to players and we wish each of them the earliest possible recovery.

“We have listened intently to what the club has to say and we fully understand their position. We have also reiterated to the club that our approach to reviewing the incidents they refer to is consistent with all cases previously where clubs have cited incidents and alleged serious injuries to players.

“We assure all clubs that we will consult, consider and decide whether this type of tackle or technique is acceptable in our sport.

“As with any change to the laws of the game or to on-field regulations, we will undertake a thorough review with all stakeholders, including coaches and the laws committee, but any changes cannot happen in-season.”

Now, Paul Wellens has provided a further update on what discussions he has had with the RFL when speaking to Sky Spirts’ Jenna Brooks pre-match.

In response to how it had affected his side, Wellens stated: “I’m not going to lie, it’s been an emotional week. I’m a coach who is passionate and I care about my players and when I spoke the other day, I spoke from the heart.

“I spoke very clearly on what I believe and I stand by what I say, but what I’ve also said to the players is that we don’t let that frustration weigh us down and we move forward as a group.”

Wellens was then asked what contact had been had with the RFL.

“There’s been some dialogue, back and forth over e-mail but at this moment in time I want to leave it in their hands. I’ve got a lot of respect for people at the RFL and the people who work there, but I think there’s some things in our game that need fixing and I’m sure I’m not alone in that.”