Wakefield Trinity set to go into huge play-off semi-final without suspended forward - despite coaches comments
Wakefield Trinity face the prospect of being without their recently acquired forward Emre Guler for their huge Super League play-off semi-final at Wigan Warriors despite doubts being raised about the severity of his punishment when he was sent-off against Leigh.
Guler was red carded after reacting to a tackle when he was lifted in the air as he struck out at Leigh forward Owen Trout. He has subsequently been banned for two matches by the RFL’s disciplinary body so the player would also miss the final if Wakefield were to get there – unless the club can put together an appeal.
It was just his fourth game for Trinity after joining from NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons, but he has already made an impact, adding to a powerful pack that has been in dominant form in the last three matches.
He was charged with a Grade E punching offence and received 17 penalty points and a fine, although doubts about what he did have been raised with both Leigh head coach Adrian Lam and Wakefield boss Daryl Powell believing the initial red card was harsh.
Immediately after the game Powell said: “There might have been a bin but I don’t think it’s a punch. He’s reacted to heavy contact but I don’t think there’s any bad real intent in it.
“I don’t think it’s a red and I don’t think there should be anything to come from it to be honest. The sending off should be sufficient. It was pretty harsh.”
Trinity skipper Mike McMeeken escaped a ban after being put on report for Grade B dangerous contact in the Leigh game.
He was given three penalty points and fined, but is free to play in Saturday evening’s semi-final at Wigan.
Elsewhere in the team Powell hopes to have everyone else from the Leigh game available and will decide again whether to go with the experience of Mason Lino at half-back or bring back Jack Sinfield.