After being carded following the opening tackle in the Huddersfield Giants’ match against the Wigan Warriors, Liam Byrne decided to embrace his inner Adrian Morley. After being called for a high tackle in the first few seconds of the Warriors’ match against the West Yorkshire team, the Ireland international was sin binned. Byrne, who was sent out after Wigan’s Good Friday loss to St Helens earlier in the season, collided violently with Matty English, a prop for the Huddersfield Giants, just after the kickoff. Aaron Moore, the match official, instantly penalized the challenge. However, the video referee stepped in and elevated the punishment to a sin bin.
It brought memories of Morley’s notorious red card over twenty-one years ago. After a vicious high tackle that flattened Robbie Kearns in the opening tackle of Great Britain’s match against Australia, the renowned forward was sent off. Nevertheless, Wigan didn’t appear to be too affected by the loss of Byrne, as they would score with the first touch of the ball a minute later. Liam Marshall, a winger, scored a try on the break after a Huddersfield kick fell to him.
Bevan French added another Wigan try as Matt Peet’s team led 12–6 at the break. Elliot Wallis responded for the Giants with a magnificent solo try.