Leeds Rhinos coach Richard Agar has backed the clampdown on high tackles but warned rugby league could be heading for a totalitarian state if clubs are deterred from challenging sanctions.
Agar was speaking out after a Rugby Football League independent tribunal increased a ban on second-row forward James Bentley from three to four matches for what it described as a “frivolous” challenge to the punishment by Leeds.
Bentley was shown a red card for a high tackle on stand-off Gareth Widdop during the Rhinos’ opening Super League game against Warrington Wolves on Saturday.
Referee Chris Kendall also issued two yellow cards and Bentley was one of three players sent off in the opening round following a directive from the governing body to referees to heavily punish contact to the head.
Warrington forward Oliver Holmes had his one-match ban for a high tackle in the game at Headingley increased from one to two matches for another “frivolous” challenge.
Agar, who revealed the club appointed a former grade one referee as a consultant at the start of the season, says the club took into account the nature of Bentley’s tackle and drew comparisons with other tackles during the game before deciding to appeal.
“The frivolous challenge part of it is the only disappointment,” Agar said.
“We understand the reasons why the game has got to change its look a little bit, we are wholly on board with it.
“James got the tackle wrong, we’ve got no qualms with the send-off or that there would be sanctions.
“We were challenging the severity of the grading. We felt it wasn’t a swinging arm for instance.
“I don’t think it falls into the category of frivolous, of not having any serious purpose or value. I felt we had some very carefully considered points that were presented very well.
“We took expert advice on it, we didn’t just think ‘let’s try it on’.
“What we don’t want is not being able to challenge. The challenge has always been a good part of our judiciary.
“If we get to a point where I’m afraid to talk about it and not be transparent and, if we get to a point where we’re not going to perhaps challenge when we feel it’s worthy of a challenge because we’ll get further sanctions, it’s all heading towards a totalitarian system which I know the game doesn’t want.”
Meanwhile, Agar confirmed that former Warrington stand-off Blake Austin will make his Leeds debut against Wigan Warriors on Friday after serving a one-match ban.
Austin will take over from Richie Myler, who is seeing a specialist in London about the groin injury he sustained in the opening game. He is expected to undergo surgery which will sideline him for a number of weeks.
Agar also confirmed that goalkicking second-rower Rhyse Martin has been given extended compassionate leave to return to Australia following the sudden death of his father.
