The worst decision of the match was undoubtedly the ball steal penalty against Yeaman when he was the only player ever in or near the tackle. Even if he did knock the ball out during the tackle contact how the hell can that be a penalty ? Ever ? It was a ridiculous decision by a limited referee.

I agree, was never a penalty in a million years. Scrum to Leeds IMO. At least he saw something, though. Houghton clearly played the ball and Child apparently didn't even notice.

I have to agree, seemed crazy at the time.

I've not seen a replay, so it's probably not relevant, but a 2 man tackle is always a 2 man tackle, even if one of the players releases, turning it into a 1 man tackle.
In that situation, a ball steal is a penalty.
A doubt Childs would have been able to work that one out anyway.

It was never a 2 man tackle though - not even remotely close - that's the point.

I know, all I'm saying is if that if a 2nd player had been involved in the tackle much earlier in the play, then a penalty would have been right. As I said, I haven't seen a replay.
It's one of those rules which is hardly ever applied, and I'd imagine not many even know it exists.

If you watch it back I'm sure child says it was given for the ball being dislodged after the tackle was complete. Pretty sure that was him trying to justify getting it wrong in the first place and having nowhere to go. The correct decision was play on back to 1 as Yeaman was 1 on 1 and Leeds got possession back.

I think you're right on all of that. The fact that Yeaman and the Leeds player were still sliding along the turf when the ball came out obviously negates Child's pathetic attempt to justify giving Leeds 2 points. Almost glad we never had any chance of getting within 2 by the end otherwise there wold have been hell to pay.

Refs sometimes seem to swing 50/50s to keep a game close, then will let one team run away with it in the final 20, especially when it's on TV. When it isn't on TV they often clearly go for whoever's most likely to win.

Not sure I agree that if you're a top 4 side you automatically get everything in your favour, these teams have captains very good at manipulating the ref.

Still, what it comes down to for me is is it incompetence or just straight corruption? Either way we pay good money to watch this sport and it's putting many people, myself included, off.

Forgot they got it back cleanly. You're right, play on, not a scrum.