The challenge itself was high but open handed, the main thing for me was that it was massively late as grix had taken a few steps after kicking but before the contact- plenty of time for Bowen to check his run. Usually the panel try to send out a strict message early on in the season. However I can't see him missing out in the WCC having flown all that way so I'm sure the punishment will fit that scenario.

He doesn't hit him as hard as Meli but when Meli hit Hall, Hall at least had the ball in his hands so he had every right to commit the tackle. Grix doesn't have the ball when he's hit.

Micky Macs contact was nothing at all. He's turned to see someone going at him so he's raised his elbow for protection. He's not even made contact with Grix. Like you say, anyone else did that it wouldn't even get a mention.

deserves a ban - prob 1 game. if that was bowen on the receiving end, we would have been baying for blood, so to ensure consistency we should hope that MB gets some form of punishment.
If he doesnt then its open season on all kickers for late hits.

I wouldn't have complained had Bowen been sent off. Something had gone on a bit earlier between Bowen and Brough (it was in the bottom corner around the time of the Burgess try.)

Has the rule changed on the late tackle on the kicker? I thought it was an automatic yellow card, which is the least it should have been on Friday.

The RFL banned Lima for our last WCC game so I don't think they'll be afraid to do the same to Bowen. I'm expecting him to cop at least two games so it's time for Ryan Hampshire to stand up. This really could set his career up and if nerves don't get the better of him I expect him to make a big impact.

bowen ran over to congratulate burgess on his try but on the way slapped brough over the head, they had been at each other all night!

if brough did the high tackle would it of been a red card? more likely ... on report is a cop out

One big difference, Craig Hall had the ball.

Bowen's reaction to Brough was to an earlier incident where he either pushed Bowen or stood on him. Was 2-3 tackles before the try.

Its no more than a 1-2 match ban if the Ben Westwood rule is applies.

Just seen the Bowen "Tackle". I can see why it could get him a ban. But, it's hardly a vicious assault, and compare it to the Meli incident is laughable.

It was silly not malicious. 2 games probably and we'll deserved. What isn't deserved is the fact the fans have paid a lot of money to see the Sydney game and barring injury we expect to see our best team out.

considering the WCC match isn't a super league match why would it be applied then? it doesn't make sense its the same as being banned for internationals its not right.

I'm afraid you are as one eyed and incapable of seeing past your own team as the rest of them. To describe Bowen's challenge as an assault and Meli's stiff arm as an instinctive reaction proves that.

Bowen should have been sent off, it was high and too late to even describe it as late. A more accurate description would be off the ball. IMO should be a 3 match ban but i suspect they'll give him 2 reduced to 1 with the EGP to allow him to play in the WCC.

They count in friendlies so I can't see the WCC being discounted. Lima was banned for the WCC in '11 as well after receiving a ban in round 1 of SL

Yep, deserves a ban. My argument has always been this. If a player gets a ban for an offence in a league game, the ban should be served the next time the offender plays against the team in which the offence took place. Ie, Bowen should be banned the next league game against Huddersfield. If he gets more than one game ban, the ban should be in the league fixtures and the last banned game should be saved until the Huddersfield game. If a player is sent off in a cup game, the the ban should carry over to the next round of the cup unless the team fails to progress in which case, the ban should be the next match. I welcome your thoughts!

Brilliant. Like putting Barak Obama in a jelly mould.....

Jjust watched it on youtube, and tbf mcllorum turns away from him. Only makes contact with grixs shoulder so thats nothing.

Bowen was standing right in front of grix, seen him kick the ball, then started to to make the tackle. Obvious red as hes took a player out around the head when he hasnt even got the ball delibrately imo.

It was worse than mathers on king and he was sent off.

What happens if a player has signed to go abroad and already played the league games against club sent off against?

What happens if a player has already indicated they will be retiring and in last games of season?

What happens if a player is sent off e.g. against Wigan and then signs for them?

What happens if club sent off against is relegated?

I'd just ban the player from next fixture(s) (excluding any friendlies)

If at first you don't get the required response just try a different approach eh? I mean, what could you not have possibly seen in the numerous replays of the incident on Friday?

Perhaps we should take the Copenhagen Zoo approach to "surplus" giraffes.

I'm glad i did not have a mouthful of coffee when i read this....

Can't believe everyone's on his back after one game! He put in a decent shift, joined the line in attack ok, just needs to brush up on his decision-making and timing and all will be well. Was a little disappointed to see us using exactly the same moves we used with Tomkins. These only work if our forwards get the oppo on the back foot and on Friday they didn't, so we struggled....

I'd had a few pints Friday night but watched the repeat on Saturday with a clear head. That OK?

And the only "response" I wanted was an opinion from the Wigan fans, and I got that first time round thanks.

Should have been a straight red, but if he does go to Red Hall, it will be done by video link and an early plea will probably see him get just a fine, or at worse 1 game. He'll serve that in the NZW game and be free for the WCC.
By the way, sincere best wishes for all those of you off to Sydney. It's a fantastic City and you'll all love it, a day wine tasting in the Hunter Valley is a must.

Serving a ban in a friendly is ridiculous. And I'd say the same for a Saints player, it's no punishment really.

Say's the RL fan who berates any Saints fans who wish Wigan well in the WCC.... You are just too too transparent YG.

Should have been sent off.

Thankfully, The RFL gave the ridiculous decision to give Ben Westwood a one match ban for intentionally fracturing Blake Green's eye socket.

Precedent set.