Quote: bewareshadows "Well the rfl have acted decisively, so just remember kids you can do what you like when you like to who ever you like on a rugby league field. In the end the rfl will just sack the ref and all will be right. Well played rfl, we move a step closer to footballs attitude to refs and a stride away from the way rugby union treats referees. I know which I'd rather my child take up.'" Spot on, it’s very rare that I agree with Phil Clarke but he’s got it spot on here, both clubs should be in the doc so to speak, and hanging childs out to dry sends out the wrong message https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/clarke-u ... rfl-21581/

Quote: bewareshadows "Well the rfl have acted decisively, so just remember kids you can do what you like when you like to who ever you like on a rugby league field. In the end the rfl will just sack the ref and all will be right. Well played rfl, we move a step closer to footballs attitude to refs and a stride away from the way rugby union treats referees. I know which I'd rather my child take up.'" Spot on, it’s very rare that I agree with Phil Clarke but he’s got it spot on here, both clubs should be in the doc so to speak, and hanging childs out to dry sends out the wrong message https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/clarke-u ... rfl-21581/

Poor old James Child. Apparently the fans don't like him, the coaches blame him for everything and now even the RFL are ting on him. The poor guy can't win, even when he does nothing wrong.

Indeed. But who on here would be a ref eh?

He can go for making his position untennable, the RFL are disgusting, but what is to be expected of any organisation involving a Hetherington.

What is Hetherington's involvement with the RFL?

Ha, the fact you don't know is as hilarious as your inane ramblings.

Go on then, explain yourself!

He lost control of the rugby game from the first few minutes, allowing a punch on the floor and knees in the back by Catalans go unpunished and it set the tone for the game.

Catalans were at it in every single set. Childs was doing nowt about it. The RFL see this too. He’s been rightfully demoted for this week’s games. And Catalans have 9 players either given cautions or suspensions, but how they haven’t punished McIlorum for kneeing Clark (who’s never lost his temper in his whole time at Wire but did with McIlorum after he knees him in the face, he was furious!) I have no idea.

Apart from the RFL openly stated he hasn't been demoted. SL referees taking charge of championship games happens all the time.

Wow. Lots of people are getting very worked up about this.

You need to divorce the 2 issues of the on-field and off-field incidents. They are separate issues.

The on-field issues, whilst worthy of bans (and it’s debateable whether there should have been a couple more bans but in the end we’re only talking the difference between a 1 game and no ban for most players involved) it wasn’t the worst thing to happen on an RL field. It was, in essence, a couple of high tackles and a few punches. Those who committed the worst tackles and worst punches have decent length bans.

So I’m not sure what there is to complain at. Are we really going down the route of deducting points every time there’s a scuffle involving a few players?

There is no coincidence whatsoever that Phil Clarke has spoken out so vehemently on this issue and demanded points deductions for teams that would significantly help Wigan’s season.

The on-field incidents are nowhere near the threshold for points deductions in my view. Especially as this would be a first incidence and not indicative of any pattern.

The off-field incidents are different. But they’re being investigated independently.

Everyone really needs to calm down. Those who committed the on-field acts have been punished.

I was with you until you brought Wigan into it for no particular reason.

I dont understand Clarkes comment. If he wants a point deduction for fighting in the stands, that understandable. not saying i agree with it, but its understandable. There needs to be some kind of punishment, but for me a fine is enough. i dont know why hes talking about it now, as the investigation is ongoing.

If he is talking about a points deduction for a fight on the pitch, thats just stupid. Theres always been fights on the pitch, and no one has ever mentioned anything about a points deduction. Its always dealt with by the disciplinary and everyone (eventualy) moves on.

Phil Clarke is the one and only reason I brought Wigan into it. That’s not meant as a slight against Wigan or anything but against Clarke’s inability to see past his own bias. It’s no coincidence that he’s come out with such a strong statement when it could massively benefit his old club.

Agree with your post though. I understand and might well agree with him for the off-field incidents, depending on who is found to be at fault etc. But a points deduction for what was a couple of relatively minor scuffles is silly. And I think people are conflating the on and off-field incidents when they need to be dealt with separately.

Yes, Ben Thaler has been at Leigh.

Are you referring to PNG international centre/winger Nene Macdonald? He would be a marvelous signing for Catalans or any Super League club.