CASTLEFORD TIGERS head coach Ryan Carr has defended Semi Valemei after he was handed a three-match ban for making unnecessary contact with a player that may be injured.
Valemei signalled to the referee during Castleford’s 30-10 victory over St Helens when Saints’ Noah Stephens was knocked unconscious.
The Fijian flyer also appeared to roll Stephens into the recovery position as Stephens looked in visible distress on the field.
However, the Disciplinary Match Review Panel took a grim view of the incident, handing Valemei a three-match ban.
And now Carr has backed Valemei following the incident.
“Semi is one of the most genuine and kind-hearted people you’ll ever meet in rugby league,” Carr said.
“What happened was that he’s seen a player in real distress on the ground, he has flagged to the referee to stop the game as he was concerned that the player was having a seizure on the ground and tried to roll him into the recovery position.
“I love that my players have that type of mentality to want to help someone who is in deep need regardless of who they play for.
“It’s a real good trait to want to help someone. He had the player’s welfare at the forefront of his thoughts in that moment.
“The ruling is what it is but I love that my players show care when the scenario is quite scary.
“What I don’t get is that your own players are allowed to come and touch you. I don’t quite understand the ruling of it when there was no malice there.
“I appreciate the rule but when your own team comes in to pick him up a second after Semi came in, I don’t get it.”
So who will come in for Valemei?
“We’ve got a few options and we’ve got some competition for spots which is something we haven’t had at the start of the season.
“Louis Senior is ready to roll, he has played a couple of reserves matches already.
“Mikaele Ravalawa is carrying a knee injury so we are working through that.”