What pulling Ablett out did do was give everybody sixty seconds to calm down after the incident, although it's noticeable there wasn't that much of a reaction from the players over and above a bit of shoving. Clearly they didn't see it as being that bad, otherwise I'm sure the reaction would have been a lot worse.

And I'll take Cuthbertson's opinion on it thanks. I'd imagine he knows a bit more about these things and didn't appear unduly upset.

Unless of course you think it was as bad as Chase's. You don't seriously think that though, do you?

Except that the MRP who in your words got the Tautai incident correct chose to overlook Ablett's tackles.
Although, of course, Tautai could be found not guilty.

Thus pointing out you can't have it both ways. If Tautai deserves stringing from a lamp post, then Ablett should also be in front of the disciplinary for similar challenges.

No I don't otherwise I would've said that which I clearly haven't. It not being as bad as Chase's isn't a worthy excuse though.

As for Cuthbertson....how many times has a player complained about a tackle after the match? Very rarely happens and they move on.

Bit hypocritical to say you'll take Cuthbertson's view because he knows more but dismiss McDermott's who has played and coached at the top level in this country.

As mentioned previously Hicks was fortunate that they wasn't the likes of a Barrie McDermott or James Graham on the pitch with the likes of McIlorum and Bateman on the other side to show up his poor handling of the incident.

I agree that Tautai's tackle wasn't anything like Chase's effort. However, he went in at knee level at a downward angle. Having had my knee dislocated in exactly that type of tackle I think it should be looked at. Ablett's efforts were above the knee in the thigh area - much safer and genuine attempts to ground the player.
There is plenty of argument that it was not malicious or "coached" to injure, I tend to believe that, and that the tackle was just clumsy and just needs discouraging. There are lots of tackle techniques that with only minor changes can become dangerous so players should always be reminded of their responsibility. Not something that I would get particularly worked up about though.

trouble is it's often the same team making these 'slightly mistimed' tackles

Put a sock in it Gilder , call the tackle what you want but it was a shocker that could have caused serious injury , yes not as bad as Chase but worthy of at least 2 matches and please watch Abletts again as nothing wrong whatsoever

Where did I say it wasn't worthy of a ban? I said it wasn't as bad as some people on here were making out, mostly because it wasn't. I said the MRP have got it right with a Grade B charge.

If anyone needs to put a sock in it, you might want to look in the mirror.

This is how i feel about it. Third man in, targeting the lower leg area with excessive force at a stationery player who is clamped up top is asking for serious injury no matter the intention.

Charnley pleaded guilty, Tautai pleaded not guilty. Both get 2 match bans.

Yep. They aren't mistimed. The only mistake Tautai made was in making it so visible/obvious.

Tell me about it, still have pain when I sit too long with my leg bent 25 years later. It's the crashing downwards into the knee joint or below which can mess up a knee or break the lower leg bones. I have doubts that it's coached like that, although I can't really say that for sure can I?

Blimey! First Wigan get the toughest semi final draw, now players get bans which don't expire before the match.

Who have they upset at RL HQ?

Swings and roundabouts after curly locks leniency.

Yeah after Flower appeal his ban and got it overturned and O'Loughlin got off lightly they probably though they couldn't get away with it 3 times. Plus Tautai missing the semi final actually improves Wigan's chances.