The Match Review Panel have made their decisions on Wigan Warriors, Hull KR, Leigh Leopards and St Helens players after the Challenge Cup semi-finals at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium and Warrington Wolves’ Halliwell Jones Stadium.
There was always going to be some major talking points because there were some big moments in these games.
In the Wigan clash, Joe Shorrocks was sent off for a high tackle on Mikey Lewis and has been banned for one game.
Interestingly, Sione Mata’utia has been banned for two games for his yellow card for a late hit on Ben Reynolds which was determined to be a “reckless high tackle.”
He was banned but opponent John Asiata avoided a ban for what Jon Wilkin called an “incredibly dangerous tackle” on Agnatius Paasi.
Paasi’s knee was “blown to smithereens” according to Paul Wellens on Saints TV.
This has really frustrated St Helens fans.
Hit someone slightly late 2 game finish someones season nothing dons
— Neil Connolly (@neilc5017) July 24, 2023
Interestingly, Morgan Knowles was handed a long term ban earlier this year when he ended Mike Cooper’s season.
They were hoping for a similar situation with Asiata.
I presume the club are going to give medical evidence to the RFL about the result of John Asiata’a cannon ball tackles on Passi and Walmsley. As
Morgan Knowles received a 5 game ban due to the seriousness of the injury on Mike Copper, hope the club is doing the same.— David Cogan (@CoggieDave) July 24, 2023
This was repeated frequently as fans called for the club to speak to the RFL.
Presume we are speaking to the RFL re the dangerous contact, Walmsley / Paasi etc with the knee joints attacked.
— Lee G. (@b1gpurp1e) July 24, 2023
Meanwhile, many fans were furious with the Sione Mata’utia ban itself with one fan claiming that there was nothing wrong with the tackle.
WHY!! Nothing wrong with the tackle in the first place
— Plankton ⚪️🔴⚪️ (@Apple09130616) July 24, 2023
Meanwhile other fans questioned the grading of the tackle.
How do they get grade C from that challenge? Don't mind a ban as it's not his first rodeo, but the grading is just wrong. https://t.co/OAdu4qE38o
— Saddened! (@rlfansSaddened) July 24, 2023
Mata’utia will now miss the Grand Final rematch at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday night in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
He will no doubt be kicking himself anyway that the penalty this incident gave away provided the points to Leigh Leopards that enabled them to claim the win as Tommy Makinson missed the conversion for Jonny Lomax’s late try that would have levelled matters and sent the game to golden point.
It was also crucial as it saw Mata’utia miss a crucial 10 minute period as the Saints looked to battle back and book their place at Wembley.
Now the Saints are focused firmly on winning a fifth consecutive Grand Final and they start on their final run in at the Totally Wicked Stadium as they take on Leeds Rhinos.
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