MARK APPLEGARTH has defended Cody Hunter and Xavier Va’a following their involvement in incidents during York Knights’ win over Huddersfield Giants at Super League’s Magic Weekend.
Huddersfield boss Jim Lenihan spoke out on Hunter’s hip drop tackle on Asher O’Donnell ahead of Chris Patolo’s 20th-minute try.
Hunter was subsequently placed on report, but no further action was taken on field.
Lenihan was unhappy, saying: “Ash had a hip drop on him going into the try.
“It should be something. I’m not exactly sure, but if it’s a clear hip drop it should be something.
“If they’re on report, you’d like to think we get some benefit.”
Meanwhile, Patolo failed a HIA after a big collision with York’s Va’a, but Applegarth has defended both his players.
“We let the Disciplinary Match Review Panel do their job. We got a phone call this morning saying Cody Hunter got five points but won’t get a ban,” Applegarth said.
“I understand what Jim is saying. At the same time, it’s not like Cody has gone in to hip drop. The only other option is for Cody to allow him to score the try. His momentum has taken him round.
“I don’t think there’s much Cody could have done and I’m not sure what Xavier could have except not run into him.
“I never want to see anyone get injured on the field but I’m thankful he got up and walked away.
“I don’t think there was any foul play in it whatsoever, it was just a hard collision.”
Meanwhile, there is good news on Harvey Reynolds, who dislocated his elbow in the win over Castleford Tigers.
Applegarth said: “Harvey has dislocated his elbow but done minimal ligament damage.
“He will be out for only two to three weeks. The surgeon wasn’t too concerned and Harvey has been lucky with that.”