Terry O’Connor says Super League star could’ve milked tackle to get opponent sent off

Leeds Rhinos met Leigh Leopards, Warrington Wolves collided with Catalans Dragons and St Helens and Salford Red Devils met in pivotal games in the Betfred Super League.

Yes focus will turn to Wembley this week but there is no getting away from the fact every round in Super League is vital though Hull KR were willing to rest their stars against Wigan Warriors as they look ahead to the Challenge Cup Final against Leigh Leopards.

That game as one of three on Friday night and elsewhere Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants met in a huge game in the relegation battle whilst the other big relegation battle helped wrap up the action on Sunday as Hull FC met Wakefield Trinity.

But after the action concluded yesterday, now the focus will shift to the disciplinary panel today as it does every Monday.

There is one Catalans player who could be nervously waiting ahead of the disciplinary with some big games on the horizon for the Dragons as they chase the League Leaders’ Shield. That man is skipper and key man Ben Garcia.

The loose forward was involved in a key moment in the first half. It was a first half that saw the Dragons storm 18-0 up through Adam Keighran, Tom Davies and Mitchell Pearce.

This all came after Garcia could have been sin binned for lifting Matty Nicholson into a dangerous position.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Terry O’Connor suggested that Garcia should have been sent off in some capacity be it a yellow or red card as he said he was very lucky.

In fact he suggested that if Nicholson had milked the tackle then things could have been different.

He said:

“I think Ben Garcia is a very very lucky guy there. I think if Matty Nicholson stays down on the ground for 30 or 40 more seconds I think we maybe see a card there.”

Also on Sky, the reasons behind Garcia dodging a card were explained by referee Liam Moore whose comments were picked up on Sky.

Moore said to the Catalans captain:

“I understand that there’s three men in the tackle but you have got to be careful. He lands on his back so you’re alright this time.”

Later today we will see whether or not the disciplinary panel take the same stance with the incident as Liam Moore did on Friday night.

The French side like others in the league will be looking forward to a week off with it being Challenge Cup Final week.