Why John Asiata avoided a ban after “incredibly dangerous” tackles against St Helens

The match review panel have had their say on the action from the Challenge Cup semi-finals as Wigan Warriors, Leigh Leopards and St Helens players were all banned whilst a Hull KR star was cautioned.

That player was Matt Parcell in what feels like a footnote to the focus of the disciplinary which has certainly been on the red card for Joe Shorrocks and the yellow card for Sione Mata’utia.

They were both banned for “reckless” high tackles but Mata’utia got the worse ban.

He will miss the next two games whilst Shorrocks will only miss one game.

The other major talking point was John Asiata’s tackle technique for Leigh Leopards.

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.”

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.