Castleford Tigers coach Ryan Carr speaks out on 'kind-hearted' star Semi Valemei's 3-game ban

Pre-season signing Valemei returned from shoulder damage in Tigers’ 30-10 win against St Helens two weeks ago, but was subsequently charged by the RFL’s match review panel over making contact with rival forward Noah Stephens after the Saints man suffered a head injury. Speaking for the first time about the incident, at his press conference today (Thursday) ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Leigh Leopards, Carr said: “Semi is one of the most genuine, kind-hearted people in rugby league.

“What happened was, he has seen a player in real distress on the ground, he came in and flagged the referee to stop the game - he was concerned he was having a seizure on the ground and tried to roll him into the recovery position. That’s what happened on the field.”

Carr stressed: “I love that my players have that type of mentality to want to help someone who’s in deep need, whether it’s an opposition player or your own player. It is a real good trait to have, to try and help someone.

“He had the player’s welfare at the top of his thoughts in that moment. The ruling is what it is, we have got to deal with it, but I love that my players show care for the opposition in those scenarios.”

Carr said he understands the RFL’s crackdown on such offences and accepts the suspension, but added: “It is a bit of a tricky one because your own players are allowed to come and touch you. That’s what concerns me - I don’t understand the whole ruling of it when there was no malice or intent, other than to help him.”

Another Fijian back, Mikaele Ravalawa, didn’t play against Saints and has dropped out of the 21 for tomorrow’s game. Carr said: “He is carrying a knee injury. We are working through that.”

Prop Jack Brown could make his debut after linking up with Tigers on Tuesday, the day after he was released by Hull KR. Brown played for the Robins at Wembley last Saturday and Carr said: “He has great experience for a young forward.

“He has played a lot of rugby league and been in some good systems, winning systems. He is hungry to get an opportunity, he’s happy to be here and we are happy to have him.”

Back to back wins have lifted Tigers to ninth in the Betfred Super League table, just two points behind seventh-placed Leigh. Carr, though, insisted the prospect of going level with last year’s third-placed finishers is not a consideration.

“What’s motivating us is trying to be that version of us we know we can be,” he stressed. “Belief is strong at the moment. We’re trying to look at the small picture, we are at home and we want to pride ourselves on being better here at home. We want to make sure we play our best footy here.”

Jenson Windley has been added to Castleford’s squad, but they remain without George Hirst as he completes a two-game ban.Joe Westerman, Liam Hood, Fletcher Rooney and Blake Taaffe are all on the long-term casualty list.

Leigh coach Adrian Lam will select from only 19 players. Umyla Hanley, Owen Trout and AJ Towse drop out from the 19 named ahead of the 42-6 victory against Hull FC a fortnight ago, with Robbie Mulhern, who will join Tigers next season, coming in alongside Aaron Pene and Matt Davis.

Castleford Tigers: from Cini, McIntosh, Asi, Weaver, Atoni, Lawler, Lane, Mellor, Stimson, Greacen, Ashworth, L Senior, Qareqare, Mapapalangi, Windley, Hall, Robb, Golding, Laulu-Togaga’e, Dupree, J Brown.

Leigh Leopards: from Armstrong, Charnley, Cook, Lam, Ofahengaue, Ipape, Mulhern, Halton, Liu, Pene, Alick-Wiencke, Davis, Horne, Hodgson, I Senior, O’Brien, Hughes, Brogan, R Brown.

Referee: Liam Moore (Wigan). Kick-off: Friday, 8pm.