‘S**house’ – Former Super League referee Richard Silverwood goes in on Jake Connor

St Helens defeated Huddersfield Giants at the Totally Wicked Stadium, but the result was not without controversy. Saints edged the encounter 13-12, thanks to a last-minute Jonny Lomax drop goal but it was Jake Connor who has grabbed the headlines.

However, it was the try that levelled the scores that has caused the most debate. Morgan Knowles appeared to lash out at Jake Connor, who was standing at marker, less than 10 metres from the Giants line.

As the Giants’ full-back turned to complain to the referee the ever-alert and wily hooker Daryl Clark scooped up the ball to dart over and score.

Connor was clearly unhappy with the referee’s decision not to penalise Knowles and continued to remonstrate after the try had been awarded.

Richard Silverwood calls out Jake Connor

The actions of Connor were called out on commentary by Terry O’Connor who stated: “Jake Connor has just got to make sure that he concentrates. That’s all he’s got to do. You’re five metres from your line. You can’t be looking at the referee to try and get a penalty.”

Those sentiments were echoed, albeit using somewhat more fruitful language, by former official Richard Silverwood on social media, who has become an outspoken but welcome presence on social media since retiring. He pulled no punches in his reaction to the incident last night.

In a post on X, Silverwood exclaimed: “Jake lad… if you’re going to give it you have to be able to take it. Great talent but a shithouse”.

Jake lad….if you’re going to give it you have to be able to take it. Great talent but a shit house

— Richard Silverwood (@SilversRef) April 25, 2024

Fans attempted to challenge Silverwood on his opinion, claiming that Huddersfield should have had a penalty for Knowles’ actions to which Silverwood disagreed. He argued:  “Watch the full tackle. If there is a penalty, it’s against Connor. Play on right outcome”.

Connor’s actions slammed by ex-St Helens captain

Huddersfield coach, Ian Watson, didn’t call out the decision in his post-match interview. Instead, he stated that the Giants could take confidence from the way they played against a well-oiled Saints side.

However, Jon Wilkin did take aim at Jake Connor after the game. Speaking on Sky Sports, Wilkin claimed that Connor got distracted, and should focus on doing his job.

Wilkin argued: “He’s in a tackle and fair enough he’s clearly saying that Morgan Knowles has taken a swing but whatever. Get on with the game man! Do your job!

“Jake Connor has just got completely selfishly absorbed in a conflict that set him and his team no good whatsoever.”

Following the devasting result, Huddersfield will be hoping to bounce back quickly when they face Salford Red Devils at home next weekend, who are challenging the Giants for a play-off place.

That game will of course be televised, as all Super League games are this season, with details of that game and all other rugby league games on TV available here.