Canberra coach Ricky Stuart is concerned star five-eighth Jack Wighton is becoming a target for opposition sides to hit late after kicking this season.
Wighton missed the end of Sunday’s loss to Newcastle after copping a head knock and failing his concussion check, following late contact from Sione Mata’utia.
Stuart does not believe there was any malice from Mata’utia or teammate Jacob Saifiti to hurt Wighton, but is worried about the increasing trend.
He told Wighton last week to approach referees to voice his concerns on Sunday, after feeling he’d routinely been hit late in the opening three rounds.
“Jack’s been getting taken out of play after he kicks quite often,” Stuart said.
(AAP Image/Lukas Coch)
“It’s something we spoke about this week. I asked him to go to the referees and talk about it on the field, in regards to ‘do I take this into my own hands?’
“Because he’s known as a very good kick chaser after he kicks, he gets pulled and tugged off the ball.
“You can’t be taking kickers out of play once they kick and want to chase.”
Raiders consultant Michael Ennis was also vocal over the issue in commentary, insistent it was something Wighton had copped throughout the opening rounds.
Stuart does not want to make a big deal over the issue and said he would not approach the NRL over the matter.
However, he was confident his issue would be heard by the league.
“I’m sure they will hear it, so they should be looking at it. I’m sure they will,” Stuart said.
The NRL launched a crackdown on defenders attacking the legs of kickers early last season.
But Sunday’s incident was nowhere near in the same realm with no play at the legs.
Instead, Wighton has been more been pulled out of play this year rather than dangerously hit.
kimboinbrisbane
Roar Rookie
Totally agree. The way Wighton’s crimes have been swept under the carpet is abhorrent. Compare the way he got away lightly with it to Matt Lodge. Lodge didn’t put anyone in hospital, didn’t even hit anyone (not for want of trying), but he is still being crucified four years later.
Adam
Roar Guru
I guess my original question was directed at all of us. Because if the ball is not stationary in the in goal there is no way we can be certain that a try would have been scored i.e. a penalty try will never happen.
Albo
Roar Rookie
But the referees have made this differentiation between penalty try & professional foul based on a doubt of a try being scored, Adam. I have just passed comment on what I considered was an inconsistency here with that Knights penalty try ruling.
Adam
Roar Guru
I still think there is a balance of probabilities component there.
Womblat
Guest
Straight from the rule book: ‘The Referee (or Review Officials) may award a penalty try if, in his opinion, a try would have been scored but for the unfair play of the defending team.' The ref MUST be certain a try would have been scored. So, yeah.
Adam
Roar Guru
Truthful question, does it have to be a "certain" try or is it a professional foul in a try scoring opportunity? I kind of think we all get hung up on the idea that there was some doubt as to whether or not the try would have been scored
Adam
Roar Guru
Macca played better than he has in a couple of years. New environment seems to have energised him
Adam
Roar Guru
Perfectly put Geoff. If anything it's a compliment to Wighton
Andrew
Guest
I would have thought he would have been more worried about Whigton's first 4 last tackle options which were; Out on the full Tackled on the last Chip kick to the tallest player on the field (E.Lee) Unforced knock on on the last
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
You are probably right Ben - guess we were all watching replays to see if it was a penalty try or not.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! I could go with the professional foul by Wighton & a sin binning, but for mine there was too much doubt on Tuala actually scoring . He had overrun the ball, and I think the bunker was just looking after the referee who made a dubious on field call. In this case it probably didn't influence the result as the Knights were outstanding and the Raiders well below their best, and right team got the 2 points.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! Williams is a beauty ! Much better than I had assessed from watching him for Wigan in the Super League. Suits his game in a stronger team of players. He is tough and hits well in defence, can run the ball , throw a good pass and his short kicking game has pin point accuracy. Must have done plenty of kicking of the soccer ball around the parks in Manchester.
Ben Roberts
Roar Rookie
Geoff, if you watch closely it looks like Tuala actually scored in the end anyway. Neither player knocked it on when Wighton tackled him and Tuala was the first to put his hand on the ball on the ground.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Really like the look of George - lots of energy - always wanting to try something - so much more involved in creating something than Sezer or Austin - he's had more try assists in 4 games than they would have had in 14. Jack is still a work in progress but jeez he has some natural ability - great leap AFL style to score the Raiders first try. What I like about Jack is he's always busting his gut to try and make something happen - unlike a Anthony Milford or Sean Johnson - who both have wonderful talent but tend to coast through a game - getting involved every now and then - but not wanting to do the dirty work. Jack's always asking questions.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Wighton getting "hit" late. Ricky not happy. Wighton's "off field victim" probably not happy with treatment Jack dished out either.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
In any event coaches need to be sent discouragement on that practice. Kyle Feldt blatantly took out Dugan Saturday night similar situation where intent warranted the bin yet was basically ‘rewarded‘ with a meaningless penalty.
Nat
Roar Guru
And the way the ball was bouncing... No guarantee of an easy put down.
Nat
Roar Guru
Agree, set kickers aren't geting smashed anymore but taking them out is a standard. I'm loathed to make the Austin comparison (because Wighton is better by every measure) but after a breakout year, he can expect to be in the coaches notes. Another difference for Wighton is Williams having a good running game, if they rush Wighton, Williams will take off behind them where Sezer was a feeder primarily.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Every team does it - you obviously need to put defensive pressure on the kicker to force a mistake. The Raiders need to come up with a way of combating it. Maybe kicking early more on the 3rd of 4th tackle. Be less predictable and change up who kicks between Williams and Wighton. Ricky should be aware that opposition coaches will be working out ways to nullify the Raiders.
Paul
Roar Guru
don't disagree Geoff. I was surprised when it was called a penalty try to be honest.