Kristian Woolf supports crackdown on head contact
St Helens head coach Kristian Woolf says he is supportive of the way the game is evolving regarding illegal challenges and their punishments.
Three players saw red cards in the opening weekend of Super League.
Dylan Napa became the first player of the year to be sent from the field. The Catalans forward was dismissed for a high shot on Mark Percival.
Gil Dudson also received a yellow card in the opening tackle of the game. He has received a three-match ban.
Elsewhere, James Bentley and Jake Connor were also shown red cards for their games against Warrington and Wakefield respectively.
Suspensions: Catalans pair banned following tribunal
Kristian Woolf supports red card decisions
Woolf, like Hull KR boss Tony Smith, is a coach who supports the crackdown on the illegal challenges.
When asked about the red cards during his pre-match press conference, Woolf replied: “It’s no surprise whatsoever. Paul Cullen of the match review committee has offered plenty of times to go around to every club.
“He’s come to our club and made it really clear that contact with the head, late contact, and particularly if it’s late and high, and punches are going to be viewed on harsher than what they have in the past.
“I support the way we’re going there.”
Confirmed: Man of Steel points revealed following opening Super League weekend
Woolf believes new changes won’t impact game
The St Helens boss believes that despite the rules, the game remains as tough as it’s ever been.
His side face Hull FC live on Channel 4 this Saturday, with both sides looking to maintain their 100% record start to the campaign.
“A lot of people will try to sort of paint a picture of the game not being as tough nowadays as it used to be. That’s not true,” said Woolf.
“It’s just every bit as tough now as what it’s ever been. The physicality hasn’t changed, the toughness hasn’t changed.
“What has changed is what’s acceptable in terms of what used to be considered okay. But now it’s considered dirty play.
Woolf supports rules to protect players
“The reason there are changes is a much better understanding now about how we protect players and how we look after players, particularly around head injuries.
“What we can’t get away from is the fact that it’s players from the eras that when those sorts of things were okay, are the ones that are holding the game to account nowadays and doing that through litigations.
“So the game has to change. We’ve all got to change our attitudes. We’ve all got to adjust with it. It’s all to protect players.
“Therefore, I’m supportive of it.”
READ MORE: Theo Fages on second French team in Super League & 2025 World Cup