What the Match Review Panel said about John Asiata’s “incredibly dangerous” tackle

Yesterday the match review panel met to consider Wigan Warriors, Hull KR, Leigh Leopards and St Helens stars after the Challenge Cup semi-finals.

It was a weekend full of controversy as Joe Shorrocks was sent off against Hull KR after a high tackle on Mikey Lewis.

This came after a yellow card for Sione Mata’utia against Leigh Leopards after a late hit on Ben Reynolds which has been determined as a “reckless high tackle.”

This wasn’t the only talking point from that game with John Asiata’s tackles causing a stir.

One of his tackles banged Alex Walmsley’s knee and the other saw Agnatius Paasi’s knee “blown to smithereens” according to Paul Wellens.

Jon Wilkin branded them as “incredibly dangerous” tackles.

Asiata has avoided a ban but was cited three times by the match review panel for “dangerous contact.”

The first instance said: “Player gets body onto the ground prior to contacting opponent’s legs and actions of players teammate push opponent back towards player.”

The second incident was described as: “Player goes to make legitimate low tackle on person who is running towards him and arm is knocked away from wrapping by opponent’s leg.”

Finally the third tackle was described as: “Player makes legitimate initial contact with upper thigh of opponent who is moving forward. Legitimate actions of teammate with upper body contact force opponent’s body in two different directions.”

Some Saints fans have suggested that action should have been taken given that Paasi’s season could be over with Paul Wellens stating he is set to miss “a significant period.”

Whilst Asiata avoided a ban for the above reasons, teammate Edwin Ipape was banned for striking.

Following the Betfred Challenge Cup Semi Finals, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Sione Mata’utia (St Helens) – Grade C High Tackle – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Strikes – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Joe Shorrocks (Wigan Warriors) – Grade C High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Rob Butler* (London Broncos) – Grade F Biting – Refer to Tribunal
The following player has received a caution

Matt Parcell (Hull KR) – Dangerous Contact
*Player charged with further to additional informational provided after Thursday’s Match Review Panel meeting.