Should 'soft' Warrington penalty that left Leeds heartbroken have stood? — SkimNews
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- Warrington Wolves edged Leeds Rhinos 14-12 in the Super League semi-final on Friday September 25, securing their first Grand Final appearance in eight years and moving within 80 minutes of what the source calls 'the biggest win in the club's history'.
- James McDonnell was penalised with 14 minutes remaining for an escort on George Williams, allowing Ewan Irwin to kick the two points that broke the deadlock and ultimately sealed Warrington's spot in the Grand Final.
- Brad Arthur said the penalty was 'soft' and 'should not be deciding a game of that magnitude,' adding that McDonnell 'did nothing wrong' and 'his eyes were not on' Williams.
- Jon Wilkin of Sky Sports backed Arthur, saying 'I don't think strictly that is a penalty,' arguing McDonnell was 'running back, looking where the ball is going' and that Williams 'played the game' because there 'was not enough contact to knock George over'.
- Liam Connor missed a 62-metre penalty attempt at the death that fell eight metres short, capping a final minute that also saw a successful Warrington Captain's Challenge overturn a Leeds 40/20 attempt.
- Wigan Warriors face Wakefield Trinity in the second semi-final on Saturday September 26 (5.30pm KO, Sky Sports), with the Grand Final set for Old Trafford on October 3.
Why it matters: Leeds exit the play-offs with another strong season ending 'with nothing to show for it,' per the source, while Warrington's Grand Final return after eight years — secured on a single disputed penalty — puts them one win from the biggest match in club history and revives a familiar league debate over what contact actually constitutes an escort foul.
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