Castleford Tigers coach Ryan Carr has spoken for the first time about the three-game ban handed to his star winger Semi Velemei.
The Fijian was suspended after being charged by the RFL’s match review panel over contact with an injured player, opponent Noah Stephens, during the 30-10 hammering of St Helens two weeks ago.
Speaking at his press conference today (Thursday) ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Leigh Leopards, Carr stressed Valemei – who he hailed as “one of the most genuine, kind-hearted people in rugby league” – had been trying to help the Saints man.
He said: “What happened was, he has seen a player in real distress on the ground, he came in and flagged the referee to stop the game – he was concerned he was having a seizure on the ground and tried to roll him into the recovery position.
“That’s what happened on the field. I love that my players have that type of mentality to want to help someone who’s in deep need, whether it’s an opposition player or your own player.
“It is a real good trait to have, to try and help someone. He had the player’s welfare at the top of his thoughts in that moment.
“The ruling is what it is, we have got to deal with it, but I love that my players show care for the opposition in those scenarios.”
Carr said he understands the RFL’s crackdown on such offences and accepts the suspension, but added: “It is a bit of a tricky one because your own players are allowed to come and touch you.
“That’s what concerns me – I don’t understand the whole ruling of it when there was no malice or intent, other than to help him.”
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Castleford Tigers boss addresses Mikaele Ravalawa latest and Jack Brown signing
Carr has also explained why another Fijian back, Mikaele Ravalawa, has dropped out of Tigers’ 21-man squad for tomorrow’s game.
He didn’t play against Saints and Carr said: “He is carrying a knee injury. We are working through that.”
Prop Jack Brown could make his debut after linking up with Tigers on Tuesday, the day after he was released by Hull KR.
Brown played for the Robins at Wembley last Saturday and Carr enthused: “He has great experience for a young forward.
“He has played a lot of rugby league and been in some good systems, winning systems. He is hungry to get an opportunity, he’s happy to be here and we are happy to have him.”
