KARL Fitzpatrick has criticised Hull Kingston Rovers head coach Tim Sheens for showing “poor form” following their defeat to The Wire.

The Warrington chief executive questioned Sheens’ post-match comments on Blake Austin’s sin-binning during Saturday’s game at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Austin was shown a yellow card by referee Liam Moore after a challenge on Rovers skipper Joel Tomkins – a punishment ruled as sufficient by the RFL’s Match Review Panel, meaning the former Canberra Raider will not face a ban.

Ex-Australia coach Sheens admitted post-match that he had not watched the incident back, leading Fitzpatrick to question whether he may have been trying to influence the panel into handing Austin a ban.

“I thought it was poor form from Tim Sheens to comment on something he didn’t have a good look at post-game,” he said.

“Perhaps he thought it might influence the Match Review Panel. If so, it was obviously unsuccessful.”

Warrington Guardian:

Comments by Hull KR boss Tim Sheens have angered Warrington Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick. Picture by Mike Boden

Tomkins did not return to the field after the incident and was taken to hospital with a severe concussion but was later released.

"I haven't seen it back but I was told Austin hit him on the ground,” said Sheens in his post-match press conference.

"Joel had to go to hospital in an ambulance and he's a sick boy and in a bad way and we are concerned for him

"I think the player concerned may a have a little worry this week but it doesn't help us for the fact in the 10 minutes he was off we scored a try.

"It's a tough one for referees because he doesn't know he's hit him that hard he has put him in hospital.

"It doesn't matter if you are lying on the ground or running through, if you get hit flush on the head you are going to have a problem.

"I'm not whingeing about it though, it's difficult for referees but losing my captain and influential player in the squad for most of the game was a concern."