RFL chairman Nigel Wood has launched an independent review following the ticket row concerning Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards on Friday night.

Whilst the action on the field should have been the main talking point leading into the fixture at The Brick Community Stadium, it was, unfortunately, matters off the field which took precedence.

Leigh owner Derek Beaumont had threatened to pull the Leopards out of that semi-final over a ticketing grievance whereby Wigan aired his views in a statement on Wednesday morning.

Beaumont subsequently worked with the RFL and RL Commercial to ensure the fixture went ahead, but it was certainly a blot on the copybook of what should have been a superb pre-match build-up.

And, whilst paying tribute to Wigan and Leigh, Wood has promised an independent review.

“Congratulations to both Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards on their performances last night, and congratulations to the Warriors for qualifying for their third Grand Final in a row,” Wood said.

“The build up to last night’s game was unprecedented, and has highlighted learnings for the future, which an independent panel will review following this weekend’s fixtures.”