Having watched the sky footage a few times now here’s my (probably unpopular) take on the Howell incident:

I believe the original TV angle shows the degree of intent – this is the angle where you can see Howell’s face. If you look at Howell’s face his eyes are shut and his face is screwed up and turning away prior to any contact in anticipation of a “collision”. Had there been serious intent on Howell’s part then Howell would have been looking at where he wanted his forearm to land i.e. at Tomkins.

In addition, at normal speed you can see there wasn’t a huge amount of force put into the challenge. Tomkins dives more than he is felled by the collision and looks up to the ref after hitting the floor before then burying his head in the ground as if hurt.

Obviously , the camera angle that Sky chose to repeat is the one that makes better TV … the ones taken from behind and to the side of Howell does make the challenge look a lot more serious (and idiotic).

Still the challenge was reckless and therefore the walk was deserved. However, my opinion is that the ban should be only 1-2 games rather than the 6 some folks are calling for. Let the RFL decide - I think it will depend on which camera angle they prioritise and whether or not they wish to make an example out of Howell.

On the subject of the game watching it for a second time, I thought it was a very good performance second half from the lads apart from the few defensive errors. Had we played that way with a full team I’m not convinced wigan would have won.

Unfortunately I think it was Howell’s sending off that gave us the kick up the back side to change the game plan and we would have probably continued playing like the first 20 minutes had he stayed on the pitch.

Post this on the Wigan board and watch them cry and squeal and form a virtual mob demanding your be banned



It was a murderous shot on their beloved little Tomkins. And that is that. I bet they are seething that their calls for a 10 game ban have not been heeded

Not at all.

Most people find it amusing that some Harelquins supporters are suggesting that the Wigan players who pushed their ''beloved'' Howell should get cited too.

Get over it.

Way to lose the argument and now pretending you were looking for ''bites''.

I suggest you watch it again my one eyed friend..........Wigan player connected with Knee and Wigan player connected with forearm....
Whatever ban DH gets is deserved....not one QRL fan has said otherwise, but the behaviour of the wigan players and tomkins in particular warrants a second look!
Still, after being found guilty of breaking competition rules on more than one occasion, why do I think it would bother any of the "Early Walk Gang"
if one of there own was cited for foul play

So? Players get ''connected'' with forearms and knees through out the game but it doesn't mean they intended to strike them with that particular part of the body.

Jesus.

Now who's being a little pedantic moderator then????
I am saying that after the illegal challenge from Howell, at least 1 and possibly 2 Wigan players made contact with Howell whilst he was lying on the ground using Knees and Elbows........the elbow delivered across the face. WATCH IT AGAIN without your myopic cherry and white spex on.......Tomkins lands on Howell with his elbow leading and connects with the facial area........simples really!

Not the only occurrence from Tomkins in that game too. Takle on Sharp's kick return, Sharp is pushed onto his back and then Tomkins follows through with his forearm into Sharp's face.

End the thread.

Get over it.

Sorry, this isn't your forum, you can't end threads you don't like here