SAINTS boss Ian Millward has expressed his dismay at the two-match suspension handed to Wigan hooker Terry Newton for the high tackle that saw his young forward Jon Wilkin stretchered off in the recent derby clash.

Wilkin is expected to be out for between four to six weeks with the injuries sustained in that incident, which occurred five minutes from the end of the game.

A perplexed Millward said: "It was quite an amazing decision. When Jon Wilkin tackled Paul Deacon on Easter Monday - Deacon had the ball and he played the following week.

"Jon got sent off that day and effectively got a five match ban because it was really early in the game. Jon was in the wrong and should never have tackled Paul like that - it was an error of judgement.

"But it was different the other night because Jon did not have the ball.

"Sonny Nickle also got a lengthy ban for hitting Robbie Mears in a tackle similar to Newton's.

"So how Newton only got two matches has amazed my players, who have been talking about it.

"Jon is going to be out for up to six weeks because of that incident - and for no other reason."

Jon Wilkin will resume his column in the St Helens Star next week.