Super League official explains why he didn’t red card star man

There’s so much to play for, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC, Hull KR and others are fighting for play-off spots, Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers are battling to survive and the likes of Leigh Leopards, Wigan Warriors and St Helens are fighting for a home semi-final.

In this push for a home semi-final, Leigh were dealt a blow when they lost to league leaders Catalans Dragons.

It was a game that was initially tainted by ill discipline in the first half as Catalans had two men sin binned.

One of them went the way of Michael McIlorum who was lucky not to receive another card for a dangerous tackle on Rob Mulhern as the prop was lifted into a dangerous position.

Leigh fans were calling for him to be sent off but the red card didn’t emerge.

This is because official Jack Smith agreed with Michael McIlorum when he said “he’s dipped his head.”

In terms of the game, a late hit from Mike McMeeken and a yellow card saw Leigh nail an early penalty to make it 2-0.

Then, after a Sam Tomkins blunder, an inside ball from John Asiata allowed Tom Amone to tear through and score. He rounded the cover defence for a great try.

Catalans Dragons definitely needed to score next and they came up with a response after Zak Hardaker gave away a penalty. Mitchell Pearce stabbed a kick behind and touched down himself to score.

The Dragons were now on top and stormed 12-8 ahead with a try from Paul Seguier. A great set play from the Dragons with attacking players doubling up on defenders allowing Seguier to carve through.

But then another yellow card for Catalans, this time to Michael McIlorum, paved the way for Leigh to score with Ben Nakubuwai burrowing over from the penalty allowing Ben Reynolds to nail a penalty and make it 14-12.

Then a mess at the back nearly led to a try for Wigan Warriors bound Adam Keighran after a ball bounced off a defender but he was unable to ground the loose ball.

But shortly after Catalans took the lead again when Hull KR bound Tyrone May kicked behind for Tom Davies to score.

May was in the mood in the second half as he dummied, bounced off Ben Reynolds and carved inside wrong footing Ben Nakubuwai who was missing his boot.

The match was settled with another try for the Leopards as Manu Ma’u grounded another kick.