During the first round of the Betfred Super League, Castleford Tigers’ player Liam Watts was sent off for making direct contact with an opponent’s head while tackling Tyler Dupree. The match took place at the Jungle, which was more like a swamp due to the rain. The Super League champions, Wigan Warriors, won despite the challenging weather conditions.
Some moments in the match raised questions about the referees’ and video referees’ judgment, especially with the new rules implemented in 2024. For instance, Kaide Ellis escaped a card despite making contact with an opponent’s head because the opponent’s back was bent. Furthermore, Harry Smith was sin-binned for accidentally tipping Luke Hooley on his head while tackling him.
Despite these events, Wigan Warriors managed to secure a 16-4 halftime lead thanks to tries from Patrick Mago and Bevan French and went on to win 32-4 but the incidents with Smith and Ellis has left them with a concern ahead of the World Club Challenge especially with Craig Lingard claiming Smith was recommended to receive a red card by the video referee.
Disciplinary on Monday could be a nervous day for the Super League Champions Wigan Warriors.
Wigan Warriors and Castleford Tigers follow the trend
Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 17/02/2024 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 1 – Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors – the Mend A Hose Jungle, Castleford, England – Castleford s Joe Westerman leads his side out against Wigan. Castleford Mend A Hose Jungle England
In the opening game between Hull FC and Hull KR, Herman Ese’ese was the first player to receive a sin bin penalty for a high tackle, in accordance with the new rules. Franklin Pele was sent off for a swinging arm, and Ligi Sao was also sent off, while Matt Parcell was sin-binned.
In the match at Headingley, Ryan Brierley received a sin bin penalty for a high tackle on his friend Brodie Croft. Similarly, in the game between Leigh Leopards and Huddersfield Giants, Ricky Leutele was sin-binned for a late hit, and John Asiata was also shown a yellow card. After the dismissal of Momirovski, Amir Bourouh of Salford became the ninth player to be carded. Two additional cards were shown in the game at the Jungle.
