Lee Radford on the impact of yellow cards
Castleford Head Coach Lee Radford has said the yellow cards had “a significant impact” on the game, as his side fell to a 36-24 defeat at Huddersfield.
In total, four yellow cards were given out during the game. Danny Levi and Jake Trueman were sent to the sin bin in the first half, while Jermaine McGillvary and George Lawler were given yellows in the second half.
It was after Lawler was sent to the sin bin where the game changed. While they were down to 12 men, Ricky Leutele was able to score two of his three tries to swing the match back in Huddersfield’s favour.
Equally, it was while Huddersfield were down to 12 men when Castleford got on top. Levi was still in the sin bin when Castleford claimed their first two tries, while their next two came after McGillvary was off the field.
Radford told the PA News Agency that coaches would be meeting with the RFL in the week to discuss the disciplinary process.
He said:“It’s the only topic on the agenda.
“We were told a week before the season started that we’re going from zero to 100. We’re going from what was a slap on the wrist last year to a grade D and four or five games. Communication would have been key there.
“The influence they’re having on the game is significant.
“If you’re a neutral, it’s great watching. But we’re promoting blokes to roll all over the floor now when there’s any contact with the head.
“If that’s the look the sport wants, we will all be in netball outfits when we’ve finished.”
Watson calls yellow cards “harsh”
Meanwhile, Huddersfield Head Coach Ian Watson added on the matter: “I totally get what the referees are doing and what everybody is looking at.
“But the sin-binnings today were pretty harsh and there were a couple that I found difficult.
“What seems to be creeping in is gamesmanship, players trying to cheat a penalty and that’s got to come out of the game because it’s turning into a bit like football.”
Huddersfield 36-24 Castleford: Giants survive second half fight-back- talking points