Sky Sports pundits question potentially “game changing” penalty

A lot has been made about late hits recently.

That discussion reached fever pitch on Thursday night as Huddersfield Giants hosted St Helens.

As Saints picked up some momentum, a brilliant ball from Jonny Lomax set Jack Welsby away and the Champions forced a goal line drop out however Lomax was receiving treatment after a hit from Jack Ashworth.

Saints fans wanted a penalty but instead Lomax was forced off with the green card.

In light of Morgan Knowles’ ban and cards for Sione Mata’utia, Curtis Sironen and Konrad Hurrell against Leeds Rhinos for late hits, this sparked discussion and this was only added to last night as Wigan Warriors conceded what could have been a crucial penalty for a soft late hit from Morgan Smithies which Marc Sneyd turned into two points.

On the matter Terry O’Connor said:

“There is contact there, not real force there at all. I’m not so sure that’s a penalty.

“Chris Atkin kicks the ball, there is contact but it is not forceful.”

Meanwhile, Ash Golding highlighted how it could have been a game changing moment:

“I think that might be a bit of a cheeky one to be honest, I don’t think that should be given as a penalty.

“I think the shake of Morgan Smithies’ head summarises that.

“These moments can be game changing this could be the difference.”

It could have been the difference with Salford leading late 16-14 but fortunately for Wigan they were able to claim the win thanks to a late Toby King try.