RFL apologises to Leeds over St Helens try

The Rugby Football League has apologised to Leeds Rhinos after a try was incorrectly awarded to St Helens in Saturday's play-off eliminator.

Saints came back to win the match 16-14 with a dramatic last-minute try but their earlier second try, scored by Jon Bennison, should not have stood.

On-field referee Jack Smith sent the incident to the video referee with a ruling of no try, but was overruled and the score was given.

St Helens face Hull KR on Saturday for a place in the Grand Final on Saturday, 11 October.

The RFL said it had "held positive and constructive discussions with senior officials from Leeds Rhinos on Tuesday".

It said: "The RFL had already acknowledged in private to Leeds, and in public through the media, that on the second St Helens try decision, the on-field call of no try should not have been overruled - while it was consistent with replays viewed before making the decision, viewing another of the available angles would have changed that position and consequently the on-field ruling would have been upheld.

"In apologising for the error, the RFL also wishes to place on record gratitude for Leeds' acknowledgement of the importance of respecting match officials and their role, and the need for all parties to continue working together to deliver the best possible decisions."