Harry Smith was the talk of British rugby league again last night following the confirmation of a suspension which will see the halfback out for three matches.
Things got heated last weekend when Smith deliberately elbowed Leeds‘ James Bentley in the face during a tackle. It was a brain explosion from the playmaker, who has been a reliable player this season for Wigan but perhaps not at his best of late. Leeds eased past Wigan 30-4 in the match, with the incident occurring in the final stages.
Smith has been found guilty of a grade E charge of striking by the disciplinary panel and also fined £750. An RFL statement said the panel took into account the ‘player’s remorse and his previous very good disciplinary record’.
It’s safe to say the verdict and these comments have led to reaction from the rugby league community. Here are some of the thoughts of RL fans below:
Julian Booth: Seen a lot longer bans given for a lot less. Think people can come to their own conclusions.
Martin Eggett: So to show player safety is at the forefront of all rugby league decisions they only give 3 matches to a bloke for deliberately smashing his elbow into the head of a man two games back from an extended period out of the game with concussions.
Debbie Swan: He got off lightly, he should have got more.
Mark Burr: Intent was there for all to see he knew exactly what he was doing then played the innocent when the cameras were on him got off lightly with just 3.
Richard May: Should be 5 at least, he’d been on 1 for 15 mins before that.
Kevin Lyon: Players have got 2 match bans for tickling an opponent on the way past! And he gets 3 for a forearm smash? laughable!
Tom Cragg: When you compare this to Jonny Lomax’s ban. One’s a complete accident, both 3 match bans??
Paul Balmer: Should have been six.
16 Comments
Leave a Reply
Leave a Reply
Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves dealt huge boost as Sam Burgess teases injury return
Huddersfield Giants
Huddersfield Giants sign son of former coach in NRL coup
Paul ward
August 14, 2024 at 10:15 am
He got a three match ban.
So that’s the end of the matter or so you would think? But some want Smith’s blood for a innocuous miss timed challenge ( give it a rest)
Alan
August 14, 2024 at 8:38 pm
Got to be a Wigan fan 😂😂
keith mcdonald
August 15, 2024 at 2:48 pm
Not miss timed. Bentley just been out for half a season with concussion. It sounds like you’ve one too many blows to the head.
Lorraine Liptrot
August 16, 2024 at 1:47 pm
The games gone soft might as well play tick rugby
David Willons
August 14, 2024 at 1:55 pm
I’m a wigan supporter of 46 years and I’d agree light punishment I said to all min 5 matches
William friar
August 14, 2024 at 8:30 pm
Seen longer bans for a lot less assaults on a player. it was an assault after the tackle had been made. makes you wonder if he would have got such a light ban if he played for some other club.
Pressy
August 16, 2024 at 7:41 am
Agree if he played for Leeds would have got off Scot free just like Sam lisone
Colin Baker
August 16, 2024 at 5:26 pm
Should have got five pathetic RL again could have been very serious contact.
Anonymous
August 14, 2024 at 8:32 pm
A St Helens player would have been banned for at least 5 matches
Pressy
August 16, 2024 at 7:39 am
Not at all look at Knowles challenge 2 games for a serial head shot maker
Mark Marynicz
August 14, 2024 at 8:47 pm
RFL corruption at its best
Anthony Cunliffe
August 14, 2024 at 9:04 pm
Why is anyone surprised RL couldn’t run a bath never mind a sport.
John
August 16, 2024 at 8:53 am
I don’t get why he wasn’t cited for lifting the lags of a player and dumping him on his back. Never got looked at. Also I’ve never seen a player approach an injured man as angrily as Batchelor did. The ref. did well putting himself between him and the prone player. That after he flattened him off the ball. Again not mentioned.
David Kirk
August 16, 2024 at 9:35 am
3 match ban what a joke players safety is paramount especially with contact to the head , Harry you knew what you did through frustration you should have got an eight match ban.
Dave Burnby
August 16, 2024 at 3:13 pm
Typical of Wigan, when they are getting well and truly beat the dirty play starts, he knew what he was doing and should have got at least a 5 game ban, but yet again the RFL takes pity on players of these so called top teams, shame on them
Bryan Jones
August 16, 2024 at 9:57 pm
Looks like once again the Wigan rule book is coming into play, why two sets of rules one for Wigan and one for the rest of super league