WOLVES could go into the play-offs without five regular members of their starting 17, including Paul Wood.

With Ben Westwood and Simon Grix sidelined, and injuries picked up by Ben Harrison and Chris Bridge, boss Tony Smith did not seem impressed with Wood throwing the first punch in a five-second boxing match with Wigan’s Eddy Pettybourne in the final league game of the season.

Both men were sin-binned, but Smith fears a ban coming Wood’s way when the match review panel digest the video coverage from the Super League Round 27 games on Monday.

Smith was clear, too, saying: “I thought he (Paul Wood) should have been sent off.

“He copped an elbow on the ground. Apparently there was some chat and the other bloke wanted to go on with it so he (Paul) thought rather than get hit first he’d do it.

“You need to be more disciplined than that in rugby league in my opinion.”

At that stage Wolves were still leading 18-12 but trailed 24-20 by the time the two front rowers returned to the axction.

“I thought it was disruptive to the game as well for us,” said Smith.

“People snap. People make mistakes. We’ve seen one of the best (Leeds’ Kevin Sinfield) do it this year, somebody who has usually got incredible self control.

“Prop is a tough position to play, particularly when you’ve missed a few games and maybe the form’s not the best at the moment. There’s all sorts of things like that.

“So, I’ve got some sympathy with Woody for his decision but at the same time we’ve got to be more self controlled in our game of rugby league.”

Wigan coach Shaun Wane labelled it a 'cheap shot' and felt Pettybourne had to react to protect himself.