The Huddersfield Giants’ winger was sent off in their 18-16 loss against the Salford Red Devils.
Salford star makes two tries Nene Macdonald took Huddersfield apart, while Elliot Wallis saw red in ludicrous fashion. Macdonald, a strapping centre, intercepted Jake Connor’s ball and raced 80 metres for an eighth-minute opener. When he ducked over for an easy second for 12-man Salford in the 47th minute, his team appeared to be in control at 18-0. It all became too much for Giants winger Wallis, who had a mistake-filled second half. Salford’s teammates joyously rubbed it in when he dropped an easy Connor ball, wasting a rare opportunity just before the hour. Wallis objected to Tim Lafai’s celebrations, and they momentarily clashed. So everyone in John Smith’s Stadium was surprised when referee Tom Grant handed a red card—for a head butt.
Replays show Wallis, 23, barely tilting his head. But it inspired Huddersfield to make a stunning late rally. After Chris Atkin was sin-binned for a block in the 63rd minute, the Red Devils scored three tries in the final eight minutes. Winger Adam Swift ran in for his 16th touchdown of the season, and Tui Lolohea also scored, with Conner converting. Jake Bibby added a third in the 79th minute, with Connor improving, but Paul Rowley’s team held on. Salford went to joint-top of the Super League – effectively fifth – but their ecstatic fans would not mention it.
Rowley, who also watched hooker Joe Mellor (broken hand) and forward Joe Shorrocks (knee) leave with injuries, said: “We scored two fantastic tries: one through brilliant defence and one through fantastic skill.” With Marc Sneyd, we gained a 12-0 lead and appeared to be in control. We also had one try ruled out because it was an improper call. “Credit to Huddersfield.” They recovered well. There were two sin bins and one red card, so things got a little crazy. That suits them chasing, and they’re a good team. Let’s be honest, there wasn’t much to it [Wallis’ send-off]. We weren’t chanting “red card” from the end of our seats.
“But I’d be disappointed for the players if we’d lost because I thought we were the superior team. And Nene’s been fantastic. He’s amazing, and he’ll improve. There’s more from Nene.” Giants manager Ian Watson said of the red card: “I’ll leave that for the match review panel to look into – because I don’t think he’ll get anything for it. Elliot’s looked at the situation with me in there, and to imply he’s upset or made the wrong decision is clear for anyone to see.” After back-to-back losses, he continued, “I was pleased with the effort and attitude to dig in at the back end, but some stuff led to our own downfall.”
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