Closed fist to the head? He caught him with a swinging arm, surely?

If that's a red then pack up C4 for 2022. Maybe a yellow, maybe. No worse than on Fusitu'a. Probably less as the outcome suggests. Closed fist that didn't touch him!? Spoiled the game. Although both teams will struggle against half decent packs. Leeds need a big man in the middle.

Saints didn't want to off load him they offered him three contract increases which he turned down to sign for Leeds.

I don’t know the rules inside out but I don’t believe there is anything regarding clenched fists and high tackles, there may be for punches and striking. Additionally, the clenched fist doesn’t make contact with the head, the forearm does. I do think it is a red as it is contact with the head, slight mitigation is that the attacker is dropping as he makes contact but still a red for me.
What I dislike is that there is this talk about clenched fists making contact with the head. That is just factually inaccurate and I don’t think it is why he should be sent off.

Furthermore if we are saying contact with the head puts you in trouble then surely the Currie contact with Fusitua’s head has to at least be a yellow. I cannot say how it cannot be at the very least a yellow. Player in a vulnerable position and shoulder or top or arm makes contact with the head. That doesn’t even get a penalty. I cannot for the life of me work out how that works

I don't like knocking officials (they get dog's abuse every week) but I agree with the comments around consistency. I've no argument with the cards issued. Clubs have been told what to expect for head shots and off the ball hits, so it's down to the players to adapt and curb their enthusiasm.

Despite the loss, there's a lot to be encouraged by. The kicking on last play and subsequent defence (particularly in the 3rd quarter) is something I've not seen at Headingley for 5 years. There seems to be genuine leadership in Leeming and Sezer and it's clear that we're watching a group of united players.

Only the most myopic Wire supporter would say we didn't deserve two points from that game. I hope Agar and the coaching team can use this to bond and motivate the team further.

Good times ahead...

Well said.

Leeds were excellent on the day. Bentley red a no brainer but top performances from Leeming, Gannon, Tetevano and Martin.

I am struggling to see what Sutcliffe and Briscoe bring to the party that younger players like Broadbent couldn't.

Why is that Handley chases down the ball but almost always misses the tackle - his miss in the second half changed the momentum.

Apparently, an average of 531k watched the game on C4, with a high of 750k for the closing minutes.
7% of the audience share, which is fantastic

A solid start, not unbelievable figures but ok.

thought handley looked ok but was saying b4 for his height bit spindly and sometimes not physical enough

On reflection, a great game that had a bit of everything.
Great advert for the game on C4.
A lot of positives to take.
Tet had his best game for us, at prop! (no s**t sherlock.....).
Cam Smith should start every game at 13.
Gannon is a class act - I agree, he'll be difficult to shift from the 17. Can't see Mellor getting much game time.
Sezer was very good - just what we need. Looking forward to seeing him with Austin.
Leeming was excellent and is becoming a real leader.
Sutcliffe was poor. Needs to pass it more when on the move. He slowed down numerous plays.
Broadbent has to be knocking on the door.
Great to see Walker back. He did well and looked fit and strong.
We still need another big guy. We're asking a lot of the 3 that played. Another injury and we're in trouble.

FWIW - I think all the card decisions were correct.
Nailed on red for Bentley. He could be a liability. Don't think we should hang him out to dry yet, but he has to learn where the line is.
Yellow for Holmes was correct.
Yellow for Dwyer was harsh, but probably right in the game these days.
Frustrating thing is same punishment for Dwyer and Holmes, when the high tackle was much worse.
Dwyer shouldn't get banned. Yellow should be enough. But you never with this panel.
A few missed calls were annoying - forward pass, hand in touch and should have been a yellow for Currie on Fus.
But ultimately, the Bentley sending off cost us the game in the end.

I think we'll be OK against Wigan next week - if we can keep our discipline (which is becoming a big problem....)

Quote: Jack Burton "Apparently, an average of 531k watched the game on C4, with a high of 750k for the closing minutes. 7% of the audience share, which is fantastic'" The average audience figures for Sky Sports coverage last season was a shade over 150k, so these figures are very good and if they maintain, or improve, it should give C4 encouragement to invest in more games. Good to see it's on catch up too. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/bet ... ague-rugby

Quote: Jack Burton "Apparently, an average of 531k watched the game on C4, with a high of 750k for the closing minutes. 7% of the audience share, which is fantastic'" The average audience figures for Sky Sports coverage last season was a shade over 150k, so these figures are very good and if they maintain, or improve, it should give C4 encouragement to invest in more games. Good to see it's on catch up too. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/bet ... ague-rugby

good summary tho i prefer myler at fb walker didn't look as dangerous running with ball as used to but was solid for 1st game

Having finally watched the game back I think the big take away for players and coach is that the day of "playing on the edge of the law" is gone. Herdman/enforcers are facing extinction. I will not miss them greatly. We either take note or become perennial unluckily losers. On another note the Channel 4 coverage was a million times better than SKY. Hope they keep it up.

Yeh agree. The C4 coverage was excellent and gave great coverage of both clubs.
A refreshing change from the bitter perennial Leeds haters Clarke and Wilkin.