They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and ex-Raiders playmaker Blake Austin has blown his with English fans in just his second appearance for Warrington Wolves.
The typically calm-natured Austin was given his first yellow card overseas for knocking Hull KR captain Joel Tomkins senseless with a careless knee to the head during an intercept break.
Tomkins was rushed to hospital with a severe concussion and was later released that night.
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It's the second consecutive week - and the third offence - that Austin has escaped punishment from in his early Super League career.
There were loud calls for Austin to be sent-off, but not only did he escape a red card, the former Raider controversially avoided suspension after being cleared by the Match Review Panel.
Speaking after the incident, Hull KR coach Tim Sheens was frustrated to lose his skipper at a critical juncture in the game.
“Joel had to go to hospital in an ambulance and he’s a sick boy and in a bad way and we are concerned for him,” Sheens said.
“I think the player concerned may have a little worry this week but it doesn’t help us for the fact in the 10 minutes he was off we scored a try.
“It’s a tough one for referees because he doesn’t know he’s hit him that hard he has put him in hospital, and it doesn’t matter if you are lying on the ground or running through, if you get hit flush on the head you are going to have a problem.
“I’m not whingeing about it though, it’s difficult for referees but losing my captain and influential player in the squad for most of the game was a concern.”
Blake Austin Incident from today’s Game vs Hull KR: pic.twitter.com/d5D3ImcpWU
— Warrington Wolves Fans (@wire_fans) February 9, 2019
Standing up for his playmaker, Warrington coach Steve Price believed Austin meant no harm and was only channelling his aggression in the tackle.
"I thought the Blake incident was him just being aggressive and to be honest, didn't see much wrong from where I was sitting but obviously I will have to review it again."
Austin scored a try in his Warrington debut last week in their 26-6 win over Leeds.
