Richard Agar backs Justin Poore after red card on debut against Leeds
Wakefield coach Richard Agar defended new signing Justin Poore after he was sent off 20 minutes into his debut.
Last Updated: 26/12/12 3:22pm
Referee Jamie Leahy dismissed the 27-year-old former Parramatta forward after he clashed with Leeds prop Ryan Bailey during his side's 40-26 defeat in the festive challenge at Headingley.
Poore had already conceded three penalties and he could now miss the start of Super League XVIII in February if he is banned by the disciplinary committee.
"It's a real shame it happened," Agar said. "You can't be too dissatisfied your players are getting fired up.
"It was probably good experience for a young referee who hasn't refereed much in Super League but I think sticking both players in the bin for 10 minutes would have been adequate.
"It probably had an effect on the contest. It took a little bit of something out of the game."
Leeds coach Brian McDermott agreed that Poore's dismissal was harsh.
"I thought it was a heavy-handed decision, although you can't go around punching blokes," McDermott said.
"I'd have preferred him to send him through a patch of nettles without dock leaves available for at least 15 minutes as a form of punishment."
The Leeds boss also praised acting captain Danny McGuire while new faces Joe Vickery and Joel Moon also caught the eye on Leeds' new £1million pitch.
"Magsy was brilliant," McDermott said. "He led from the front and managed the game really well.
"I thought Joe Vickery had a good start. He found himself in the clear a couple of times and backed himself, which was good to see.
"Mich Achurch looked pretty strong and Joel Moon had a good solid game as well."