The Boots 'N' All pundits share their views on Keiron Cunningham's disciplinary let-off.
Cullen and McDermott back decision not to suspend Cunningham
Paul Cullen has backed the Rugby Football League Disciplinary Commission's decision not to ban St. Helens' Keiron Cunningham.
The Saints' hooker escaped with a caution after striking Wakefield prop James Stosic in the face in an attempt to separate himself from the Trinity player.
The Widnes Vikings' head coach believes the fractured eye-socket suffered by Stosic was the result of Cunningham's aggressive nature rather than an act of malice.
"To be honest, no one can actually say that he has wildly punched an opponent in the face," Cullen told Boots 'N' All.
"He's tried to push him away, yes it's a bit rough and tough, but that's unfortunate. If you're swinging your arms into a tackle, you're going to do some damage."
"Unfortunately, the player's got quite a serious injury," he continued. "Maybe that's a warning letter that you've got to look after yourself and keep your arms down and don't push anyone off in that manner."
Controversy
The ruling has been questioned following the committee's policy to issue high-tackle offenders with a one-match ban.
But, former Great Britain international Barrie McDermott sided with Cullen, arguing, "Keiron Cunningham - if you look at him over his career - has been a hard and tough player, but he hasn't been a dirty player that's been in front of the judiciary too many times."
"I think if you ask Stosic, you take a bit and give a bit, but unfortunately on this occasion it cost him."
The incident is sure to stir debate, but McDermott emphasised, "Keiron Cunningham's an excellent player who doesn't do that as a rule and not for a living."
