Hmmm. Bad attitude? I can see why using unconventional (but not illegal) tactics to gain an advantage might annoy people, but a bad attitude? He has a massive winning mentality, perhaps sometimes he's a little over-enthusiastic, but have to disagree with you there.

Compare that to Sinfield and his constant moaning, bickering and attempts to influence refs, and acts such as shaking the goalposts and surrounding the referee from the Leeds players - I know which I'd rather eliminate from the game.

As for the left-foot step, that's inexperience. I've said it since he broke into the first team - the key to his step is to only use it occasionally, and Sam needs to learn to release the ball more often. After 10 minutes Leeds knew he would probably step and wrapped him up every time.

Change Sinfield to Hanley and you may be on to something.

I actually thought first time that it was clever play. By the second time it was a bit annoying and I am a neutral.

Is there not an opportunity when they are trapped for the ball to be made 'dead' and the players untangled without it being a knock on or strip?

Did anyone else notice ST attempting to wrap his legs around a tackler (on more than one occasion), for a similar effect? Wearing yellow boots is perhaps not the most sensible option if you're going to adopt this tactic.

Its seems as though the guy being tackled has a free licence these days to do what they want:-
1) Clamping the tacklers arm
2) Elbowing the tackler in the head
3} Kicking out of the tackler.
4) Pushing the tackler out of the way before playing the ball.

The whole end of tackle/play the ball needs cleaning up, its just causing frustration to players and fans. What does Cummings actually do these days other than try to justify a referee's poor performance against these tactics.

By some Wigan 'fans' principles, young Sammy surely deserves a dislocated shoulder/ torn rotator cuff for this kind of play, no?

I'll admit I did not like what Tomkins did to get these penalties but saying that it is down to the refs to sort it out.
I hope Mr Cummings has a look at these two incidents.

It's as bad as diving in football.

The thing that got me was Hemmings praising him by say an old head on young shoulders, as if it was a good thing he'd done rather than conned the ref.

Ablett did exactly the same int he Leeds - Wigan cup game earlier inthe year, and I've noticed it a few time since.
It should be a non issue. Refs should be wise to players trying to milk penalties and frame opponents.

Spot On.

The last thing I want is for RL to turn into football but we are going down that route.

More & More Arguing with the ref
More and More blatent acts of "Sportsmanship"
The winning and celebrating of penalties
Tapping of the head

Is it any wonder that the atmosphere between fans of different teams is getting worse when the teams show little respect for each other or the officials on the field.

I would like the refs and clubs to review this in the off season and come back with a hard attitude and some consistancy.

From Section 11 of the Laws...
[iThe play-the-ball must be performed as quickly as possible. Any player who intentionally delays the bringing of the ball into play shall be penalised.[/i

Barn Door 50 metres square!

Massive target covers door

You are 1 metre away with a gun to shoot to hit the target.

You miss!!!!