Rohan Smith raises huge question about red card incident

This week Leeds Rhinos dodged a ban for James McDonnell after he was suspended for two games for punching.

However, the Rhinos won the appeal against the suspension.

Rohan Smith addressed the appeal and the incident suggesting it should have been put on report instead.

He said: “At the time I thought James’ reaction was that of surprise. So straight away I thought, you know, but there was so much going on there in that incident that on video and on replays it was impossible to see foul play and the video ref commented that on that at the time.

“So I think those sort of situations that ideally they’re put on report and investigated later, but in the end we’re glad that we got a good hearing and they went through the process there and a positive outcome was reached for us.”

Smith also gave huge praise for McDonnell:

“I’m very impressed. I think he played maybe four or five games at Wigan and never two in a row before he came this year.

“He had a really good pre-season but then just a couple of little disruptions at the back end of the pre-season sort of cost him a chance to play those opening rounds. He had to wait his turn and when he did, he’s taken his opportunity.

“He’s got plenty to work on and plenty more to come out of him. But as you said, I love his competitiveness and combativeness. He’s a tough guy coming through that Wigan program. They breed plenty of tough competitive players. He’s a humble competitor, improving from week to week. He’s a terrific young bloke, he’s got more in him and he’s got some things to work on but we’re glad with his progress.”