The big moment in the meeting between Wigan Warriors and Hull KR at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium in Sunday’s Challenge Cup semi-final was undoubtedly the Joe Shorrocks red card.
The back-rower had only just come onto the field and hit Mikey Lewis in a full blooded challenge.
Liam Moore waved play on until Lewis struggled to get up. The video referee Ben Thaler assessed the situation and deemed that there was contact with the head and Shorrocks was sent off.
However, Lewis didn’t go off for a HIA like many people expected him to do so.
Now Castleford Tigers club doctor Nick Raynor has had his say on the matter taking to social media to say:
“A few people tweeting about why Lewis didn’t have a HIA if the tackle was a red card. 2 separate issues – One is laws of the game assessed by ref. 2nd is a medical assessment by physio/doc about potential concussion & need for HIA Red card doesn’t always equal HIA.”
Interestingly though, it was something raised by Matt Peet after the game.
“I don’t think I’m going to make any comment on it to be honest. It is a big call in a big game.
“I don’t know how if the player is that dazed, I don’t know how he stays on after a head injury assessment.
“The referee makes the call, it is what it is.”
When asked about Joe Shorrock’s reaction he said:
“He’s upset and confused, a partisan crowd, a referee from Wigan who feels under the spotlight.
“We just have to be better and deal with it.”
He was also asked if a different official should have been appointed:
“I am not commenting on that, it was a massive call and I wonder if that was a sin bin would everyone say it should have been a red.
“It was a big call to make, that and Mikey Lewis didn’t get checked out even though he was staggering all over the place.
“If that was our player we would have brought him off.”
Now Wigan have to focus on Super League whilst Hull KR go all guns blazing for the Challenge Cup against Leigh Leopards.
