Wigan Warriors fans fume as Brad O’Neill banned for ‘hand tackle’

One fan would even argue it was the RFL’s way of “nighting out” teams, with St Helens missing nine players last week, something Paul Wellens noted after his side lost 8-6 to Castleford Tigers.

One fan quipped: “Let’s give the Saints a chance because they’ve got half a team” in full effect as they showed their disdain for the ban.

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“Let’s give the Saints a chance because they have half a team” in full force https://t.co/riVsxAWGiw

— Sean (@SeanD2712) July 8, 2024

There was probably more disdain for the club’s decision not to appeal the ban, but one fan has hypothesized why, claiming it’s part of a longer ploy.

Despite labeling Brad O’Neill’s ban ’embarrassing’, one Wigan fan posited: “I’m starting to think we’re not appealing any bans because when it comes to the playoffs we’ll appeal anything small bans and will be lifted as we have been compliant with MRP all season.

“That’s the only reason I can think of because that ban for O’Neill is embarrassing.”

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I’m starting to think we don’t appeal any bans because when it comes to the playoffs we’ll appeal any small bans and they’ll be overturned because we’ve been compliant with MRP all season.

It’s the only reason I can think of because that O’Neill ban is embarrassing.

— Cherry & White Pins (@CherryWhitePins) July 8, 2024

Only Matt Peet will know why that decision was made, but another joked it was because he had an ace up his sleeve, claiming he saw assistant coach Tommy Leuluai “looking at boots on Sports Direct”.

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Just saw Tommy Leuluai looking at boots on Sports Direct 👀😂 https://t.co/KVwZonuZPD

“Danny!” (@DannyCalderbank) July 8, 2024

With both teams potentially without a recognized hooker, it will be an interesting affair with St Helens, one of two teams to beat Wigan Warriors so far this season, something the reigning champions will be desperate to avenge.