I think those are fair distinctions mate but I would also make the distinction that Haggerty is not typically a dirty player. His actions on Sunday belie this fact and I think most are surprised that it was this player involved.
For whatever reason, and personally I think he had a few without condoning the hit, he lost his temper and his aggression boiled over from acceptable levels.

You can guarantee one thing though....
following the match on Sunday Halifax will be instructed to go out there and try and rile us on Thursday night. I'm sure Calland will have pointed to one or two players in our side that might lose their heads. Expect some 'aggressive' play and few angels on that pitch from either side.

In defence of Turley he went to his linesman on more than one occasion for clarification, notably the 'try', the drop out and the awful shot by Haggerty, which should see a 7 game ban for intent. That assault was that late I would imagine Turley saw it in the corner of his eye as the ball was miles away.

Anyway I hope you knock seven bells out of each other tomorrow, I understand the Widnes pack think they can bully yours all over the park, in which case Black hides and Widnes rack the points up.

So one shot defines a career? Players like Rob Roberts IMO are dirty as all they offer is cheap shots and constant mouthing off at people. The others are 'enforcers' who unfotunately once or twice cross a line. I've seen young Widnes lads booted in the head off the ball and less fuss be made tbh! I expect a 3 game ban and righly.

Apparently Barlow spat at Haggerty priot to that play the ball and he gave him a good whack in return.

You can feel his full force before his ban.

I've not seen this one but Jeremy Smith has got a 2 match ban and £300 fine for use of the elbow on Danny Orr;


I know if someone had spat at me I'd be rather displeased to say the least.

If there was no spitting then it's a different matter again.

The RFL' discplinary pannel has never made sense tbh alwyas differing in punishments for same 'crimes' etc.

One example... Kav got red for elbow use and that was deemed sufficient punishment. Yet Roberts went up on same charge and got off scott free? So why was Kavanagh red carded etc?

I don't think he should be getting a lengthy ban, because from what you've been saying he's had no previous issues. But he shouldn't be allowed to play the week after the incident.

If he has no previous then they may give him a 3 or 4 match ban with part or all of the ban suspended.

I think though that he will probably get a part suspended ban as no punishment was carried out on the field against the player. Maybe a 4 match ban with 2 suspended or even a 3 match ban with 2 suspended.

I agree that the disciplinary should sit in the week following the alleged transgression - others may just think you're running scared and want him banned before he smashes your pack to pieces .

He'll eat Shirley and Tampons for his supper.

Tamghart was ineffective last year at Widnes, he got dominated by their pack. This could mean he has something to prove which could be interesting.

Be interesting to see if Calland goes with 3 props on the bench once more like he did against Sheffield.

I would go this way if I was him.

We do have a much stronger pack this time out and although we got the better of you last year it's no given that we'll do it again.

Hopefully we'll have another enforcer back in Pickersgill but even if not we've been doing ok without him so far.

The closer this one gets the more I'm getting 'up for it'.

See you Thursday fellas!

Franky, Wrench, Maloney and Tamghart are all in good form at the moment IMO. The problem is our two "starting" props are both... just not there yet. Not sure Cherryholme being dropped last week was a good idea, thought he had a belting game against Ovenden. And again Aizue having to miss half the Batley game due to the cut wasn't great. It'll all come in time, but will they be ready for tomorrow...

Having wtched the incident a couple of times, I'd have to say I am astounded he wasn't sent off at the time.

There can be no mitigation for that challenge, unless he can prove he was spat on by Barlow it simply cannot be considered as part of his defense.

As for the disciplinary, 6 matches is suitable for what was an assualt on a player not involved in play. Knowing how limp wristed our governing body is he will probs get 4 max.

Sod's law says he will have a blinder against you lot on thurs...