Done Deal: Leopards Head Coach Adrian Lam Announced The New Signing…..

admin | March 7, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Done Deal: Leopards Head Coach Announced The New Signing…..

Controversial Leigh captain John Asiata copped a miserable night as St Helens maintained their 100 percent winning start to Super League.

Tries from Jack Welsby and Tommy Makinson were enough to see Paul Wellens’ side make it three victories on the bounce. But the big talking point was Aussie loose forward Asiata who was sin-binned after just 41 SECONDS. To make matters worse, it was for the sort of dangerous challenge that led to an outcry from Wellens last year as bad blood between these sides resurfaced again.

The Leigh captain dived at the lower leg of Sione Mata’utia without trying to make a legitimate tackle – causing a blow-up inside the first minute. It was no surprise given their history. Wellens slammed the RFL for “failing in its duty to protect players” after they failed to punish Asiata for similar “reckless and dangerous” tackles in last July’s stormy Challenge Cup semi-final.

Four Saints players were crocked. Agnatious Paasi has still yet to make his comeback seven months later after his knee was wrecked. And England prop Alex Walmsley missed eight weeks of action. Back then, the challenge wasn’t deemed illegal. But the RFL acted in the off-season, amending the rule and outlawing it in 2024.

However, Asiata – who also later limped off with a torn calf in the 16th minute last night – seems to have completely missed the memo after his crazy antics in the opening exchanges of this scrappy affair. However, Leigh boss Adrian Lam argued: “John’s first point of contact was above the knee. I thought it was fine. I’ve looked at it ten times. He slides down. It’s no penalty last year. They’ve changed the rules to outlaw dangerous tackles below the knee.

“The next step up would be a penalty at worst case. Not a sin-bin. We’re not here to play 12 v 12 or 11 v 13. Let’s keep the players on the field. I am a bit frustrated about that. I think the refs are under pressure.”

Asked if Asiata was surprised, Lam added: “Yes. We talked about it during the week as well to make sure we don’t put ourselves under pressure. One minute into the game, Mata’utia’s just laying on the ground waiting for a penalty. I just feel ‘Get up!’ That’s the way the game’s going. We’re all trying to work with the refs but at times it’s hard to cop.”

Lam hopes the 30 year-old won’t face further punishment. He said: “Don’t even go there. I’m nervous but it should never be a charge in a hundred years of this sport. But I think all coaches are nervous on Mondays now [for match review panel]. I just hope they don’t isolate him and pick him out or make an example of it. It will be completely wrong if that happens.”

Saints fans lapped it up when Asiata was injured and their team eventually took the lead when Welsby finished off good work from James Bell and Matt Whitley just before the half-hour. Konrad Hurrell thought he’d added another but spilled under pressure from Brad Dwyer, the hooker making his Leigh debut after joining on loan from Warrington. The visitors barely created a chance during a mistake-ridden first half.

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