Super League coach says referee “lost control” of huge fixture

It has been a huge weekend of Super League action with a crucial win for Leeds Rhinos wrapping up the action on Sunday after Wigan Warriors were stunned by Wakefield Trinity and after Hull FC had claimed a vital win over their city rivals Hull KR.

Leeds’ battle with Salford Red Devils was a real titanic clash and was huge in the context of the play-off race with Leeds now just two points behind the Red Devils who occupy the final spot of the top six.

However, it was a controversial game full of a number of big decisions.

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester, Paul Rowley noted this himself:

“It was difficult to watch. I think we took big steps forwards in terms of performance and it was good game to watch in some respects.

“I thought there were some really big inconsistencies in officiating but for both sides I will say.

“So it is not bitterness in defeat. So, it was very frustrating and I know Rohan was as well so yeah it was a tough loss but we will take a lot of positives out of.

“I am not a coach who accepts mediocracy so there is definitely some steps forward.”

That said, Rowley did place a focus on his side’s own performance calling for them to be more in control:

“You talk about controlling the controllables and there were some big moments where we lacked composure I thought and in particular in the second half.

“In the first half we spilled too much ball and chased the edges a bit. We had enough territory and good field position, Leeds defended their line really well and we didn’t.

“There were some things we were disappointed with and that we need to address.

“Simple lesson is that we have to work harder.”

But, when the 11-5 penalty count was brought up to Rowley he said that official Aaron Moore lost control of the game:

“I think that if you’re proactive and you don’t chase things I don’t think there is an 11-5 penalty count.

“That said you wouldn’t expect it at home and I don’t think it paints the picture on the six agains because I think we rolled Leeds and we couldn’t get a six again for love nor money so there was a lot of frustration with how the game nearly lost control or did lose control.

“Disappointed in how that side of things went.

“We gave away two points for a late hit and then the identical thing happens on the last play there and we don’t get the penalty.

“Inconsistencies throughout the game on both sides of the coin. They were absolutely massive and I thought the officiating was really, really poor.”