That is 100% what happened.

The Smith one was bordeline for a ban, the Watts one was a red in any season - no attempt to wrap the arm.

Poor spectacle (weather didn't help) but if that is an indication of the game for the rest of the season I will be not sorry to miss any games, penalty fest, stop start and long delays for VR, no thanks, killing the entertainment.Don't think I have seen as many six agains in a game as well. Just constantly breaking up the game - hopefully things will setlle down a bit once the early rounds are out of the way and the refs and officials have got things out of their system.

Hooley milked that spear tackle for all it was worth. Smith lifts one leg and Hooley aims his head for the grass. Utter prick move and now Smith will probably miss the WCC

Keighran may have a broken cheekbone. For what it is worth, I think they will all play, bar Thompson. Hill will be an excellent substitute for Luke.

I fully agree on all counts.

Lots of potential but Hill is not in Thompson's league just now.

Leeming also on crutches after the game. Injuries coming thick and fast already.

With hindsight there may have been an argument to rest players tonight - half a squad may have got the job done and a loss wouldn't have been the end of the world anyway.

Good wet weather performance, Smith the obvious worry, unfortunately in this climate can’t see anything other than a ban coming his way.
Did think here we go with Thompson but when they showed the reverse angle that was a a fair clout he took so not surprised he failed his hia. Just unfortunate for him but should be a great experience for Hill next week and should make up a bit for him missing out on the GF.

I never like resting players. Who’s to say that those not rested wouldn’t have got injured. We have been a tad unlucky but we needed to blow the cobwebs away. I’m not suggesting that Hill is in the same class but I don’t think he will let us down.

Could Kieran play where smith plays and we stick Eckersley at centre. Lost a few there

Cliché to say, but the game has gone soft.

Never a red card. IF it was however, why didn't both of them go? Look at this pic, how is one a red and the other isn't? It's almost like they are making it up as they go.

[urlhttps://twitter.com/pjc_phil/status/1758917007351705698?t=8ivgmRt8NdUxmfvTHgC36g&s=19[/url

As for Thompson missing next week, that's a farce as well. The fact they've just released a shirt immortalising the last WCC winners Vs Penrith and LT is going miss a game because of a headache, shows us what a sorry state we're in & where people's priorities sit.

I read an article the other day saying that "medical experts" believe letting kids play rugby is tantamount to child abuse. The RFL really listening to them? You'd have thought we'd had enough of these experts after the f over the economy during COVID.

Hill is nowhere near World Club Challenge level

I wouldn’t be so sure. It’s a fixture that comes around very rarely but one that drags special performances out of people. The lad is a huge talent and he looked very sharp in pre season. It will be a terrific opportunity for him and I’m confident he’ll do everyone proud.