Phil Clarke suggests Super League star should have been red carded

The weekend’s action was always going to be big with Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves meeting, Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers battled for survival and Leigh Leopards and Catalans Dragons colliding in a massive game at the top of the table.

Sadly the first half was overshadowed by a touch of ill-discipline especially with late hits on Leigh star and skipper John Asiata.

There were three in a short space of time and two yielded yellow cards for Mike McMeeken and Michael McIlorum.

McIlorum’s hit seemed a little high which of course usually yields a red card.

This was referenced by Phil Clarke on Sky Sports who suggested he could have been red carded.

He said: “McIlorum was late and high. We have seen red cards for that. The important thing is he is off.”

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.