BY JOHN DAVIDSON
St Helens forward Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook believes Leigh’s John Asiata could injure himself with his controversial tackling style, and feels the sport should look at hits below the knee.
McCarthy-Scarsbrook was injured in Saints’ Challenge Cup semi-final loss to the Leopards in July by a tackle from Asiata that affected his quad muscle.
The prop was one of four St Helens’ players hurt by Asiata tackles in the semi-final.
Writing in the new issue of Forty20 magazine, McCarthy-Scarsbrook says injuries like those he suffered can be prevented.
“I got hit in the quad and it tore, part of the controversy about the Leopards skipper’s tackling style,” he said.
“He’s likely to injure himself with that technique. The game needs to look at hits below the knew when players are in the tackle, like it has with the hip-drop.
“Injury is part and parcel of the game, but some can be prevented.”
McCarthy-Scarsbrook paid credit to Leigh for their victory.
“All credit to Leigh. We ought to have won our away to Wembley, but blew a couple of chances and they just got over the line.
“That was likely my last opportunity to play at the big show on my doorstep, so I was absolutely gutted, never mind the injury….
“Anyway, all our eggs are now in one basket, which the rest of Super League should be scared about.
“I know what this team is capable of.”
