Shock twist in John Asiata appeal over St Helens tackle

In Round Three, Leigh Leopards skipper John Asiata was sin binned after 41 seconds against St Helens.

This was due to a low tackle on Sione Mata’utia that was similar to tackles from the Leigh Leopards star that injured Alex Walmsley and Agnatius Paasi last year resulting in the tackle being outlawed.

Asiata was then charged with a Grade A offence but the Leigh Leopards chose to appeal it.

Responding to a fan on social media, Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont explained why the Leopards are appealing a charge which carried no suspension.

He said: “Sometimes in life principal is important and it’s about what’s right. A Grade A with NFA is like less than getting 10 lines at school back in the day which was the lowest sanction it’s the RFL trying to back the decision of the video ref as on field didn’t even call it!

“It’s labelling John and I have a solid defence to it which will succeed and if it doesn’t I will share for wider opinion with all the facts I present. That will be next week now though as both sides busy for tomorrow.”

Meanwhile on the club’s YouTube channel, Adrian Lam added: “Just the principle of it, really.

“It’s something that we feel very strongly about, that players are being charged at the moment that shouldn’t be charged and just for the sake of that, we’re fighting to make sure that John doesn’t get a warning.

“The way that it works, if he’s charged, he gets a warning, and if you get three warnings, you get a week’s suspension. If we can beat that warning, that won’t be on his record.”

Leigh Leopards John Asiata appeal delayed after St Helens tackle

Leigh were afforded extra time to decide to appeal this decision due to the player’s injury in the same game as he was ruled out for six weeks with a torn calf.

A week after the charge, the Leopards chose to appeal but the appeal was delayed yet again because both parties had other commitments according to Derek Beaumont.

The appeal was scheduled for tonight but has yet again be deferred to next week Serious About Rugby League can reveal as per the RFL.

The reason for this is as yet unknown. Hull KR star Corey Hall will be appealing his Grade D charge however.