Kristian Woolf has had his say on two of the most contentious tackles that came out of St Helens’ loss to Catalans Dragons at the Magic Weekend.
Agnatius Paasi was sinbinned in the 85th minute for a heavy tackle on Samisoni Langi – which left the utility man needing a hospital trip.
And, Woolf was keen not to challenge the two-match ban handed to Paasi.
“We chose not to challenge the Paasi decision – while I don’t think the evidence was really clear cut as to where the direct contact was made, it also wasn’t clear cut enough to challenge it or defend it either,” Woolf said.
“We’re very respectful of the injury that came out of it and we didn’t feel it was right to challenge that with the significance of the injury.”
Woolf was, however, frustrated by the lack of a charge given to Catalans’ Sam Kasiano for the tackle that has left James Bentley out for the foreseeable future.
“We accepted that charge on those grounds, but as a club, were really disappointed with the result with the MRP (Match Review Panel) on the James Bentley tackle.
“It was seen as a significant enough tackle to deem a sinbin on the day by the referee and video referee.
“There’s no doubt that James was put into a really vulnerable position and he’s also suffered a significant injury.
“We have rules in place to protect the players and the MRP are put in place to ensure those rules are upheld.
“My personal opinion is I feel James Bentley has been let down in this instance – I’m not sitting here trying to get Sam Kasiano charged, because accidents happen in our game.
“I don’t think there was any intention, but James Bentley was put into a difficult position and a serious injury has come from that.”
