Not by a long way.

No, what’s bizarre is that the game has got itself in the position that it’s ok to bend someone’s arm behind their back to slow the game down as long as it’s in ‘it’s normal range of movement’ (hey, that’s what joints/sockets are for but let’s push it!

).

Also, what’s bizarre is that less than 48 hours from the potential of 4 grand finals in a row, you’re trawling around on a Wigan forum.

Looks like hes trying to handcuff him

So like everything ever said about Wigan by an opposing fan then

FWIW I completely agree with the above statement. I hate seeing the anti Wigan bias on social. Prime example is people questioning why Peet was the the coach of the year -it was an obvious choice.

That being said, people are absolutely frothing at this and you have to admit that 90% of the anger is because he plays for Saints. The usual suspects, who seem to lose all rationale when it comes to Saints, are out in force.

I hate St Helens with every fibre of my being. This would still be a terrible decision if it was John Bateman or Liam Farrell. Firstly because it was a poor tackle and second because of the can of worms it now opens.

I said last week that Martin couldn't be allowed to get off from his ban (which was a joke decision in the first place) because of the ramifications for the sport and I stand by that this week. Expect there to be appeals and then 2nd appeals galore next season with experts turning up and lawyers looking at every single word used in the minutes for any form of contradiction/error. Not to mention players just pointing to this whenever they get banned for a chicken wing tackle that doesn't actually injure the player.

Maybe from Wiganers it’s partly because it’s Saints but across the game I feel Saints have a very good reputation and that hasn’t stopped people from all angles piling in. I’ve seen numerous players and officials from various Superleague and Championship clubs calling the decision a disgrace. It isn’t because it’s St Helens, it’s because it’s a disgrace. Saints fans themselves know that. They, like we all would, will take it but if they’re honest they know it’s a ban every single day of the week and they would be appalled if it was flipped and an opposition teams player got off.

Knowles only got 2 games because they want him available for the World Cup. Unfortunately to only give him two games, they needed to make out the act wasn’t hugely dangerous and it’s left them wide open to having to turn it over completely. It’s the biggest shambles I can ever recall in terms of a disciplinary outcome but the fact it’s come in 2022 feels inevitable.

You hide it well.

Or look at it another way.

Wigan beat Leeds, Bateman is banned for 3 games.

Wigan appeal and he is still banned for 3 games BUT the minutes say something like, it was a bad tackle with no regard for player safety but the game is fast paced and players sometimes end up making tackles they didn't intend to make.

Wigan appeal again and he gets off because the wording says he didn't intend to do it meaning it was an accident rather than a bad tackle with no regard for player safety.

Would that be ok?

I won't hide behind "I'm here for honest and open discussion with opposing fans" like your lot do you're right.

Spot on. I am amazed he has got off without a ban. I said soon as he did it that it was stupid and he would miss the final.

This week has highlighted just how incompetent the RFL are. They have been forced to overturn a decision based on their wording in the initial appeal hearing. Knowles has actually got off on a technicality; not because he isn't guilty of any wrongdoing. Saints have done what literally every other club would've done - they've spied an opportunity and taken it and have outsmarted the RFL (not hard I know.) People will call it cheating, immoral or whatever else but let's be blunt - every fan from every club would be made up if their club got one of their star players off a ban in the days leading up to the final.

Hopefully the shambolic nature of this week will kickstart some serious changes within the RFL and the disciplinary process in particular.

It was a joke mate, chill haha. I hate Wigan but am also capable of grown up discussion. The two things aren't mutually exclusive.