STEVE Price says Blake Austin decided to leave the alleged eye gouging incident during last week's defeat to Wigan Warriors on the field.

The Wire stand-off reported the incident involving Wigan youngster Morgan Smithies to referee Chris Kendall, who placed it on report.

Austin stood by his claim when interviewed after the game and video evidence appeared to show Smithies' hand making contact with his face.

However, the Great Britain international decided not to pursue the matter.

"I’m a big believer in things that happen on the field staying on the field, but in situations like that it should be down to the player," Price said.

"After the game, Blake decided he wanted to leave it on the field so that’s where it was left."

With existing video evidence deemed inconclusive and no further evidence submitted, no further action was taken against Smithies.

However, Wire co-captain Chris Hill was not so fortunate – he will now miss the next three games for the high tackle on Sam Powell that saw him sent off in the 16-10 defeat.

Hill had two charges and a caution issued by the Match Review Panel last season, including a two-match penalty notice for dangerous contact, and Price has no doubt he would have served a shorter ban without those incidents.

"I was surprised at the grading," he said.

"If he had no previous form from last season, it would easily have been two matches.

"We’ll cop it. It was one of those things – there was no intent as Chris is not a malicious player by any means.

"It was just unfortunate that he caught him round his head. We’ll accept it and move on."

Hill will join fellow co-captain Jack Hughes on the sidelines for tomorrow's clash with St Helens, with marquee signing Gareth Widdop also still missing.

Price confirmed Widdop had resumed light training following an ankle injury but said it was still too early to say when Hughes will be fit to return from double hernia surgery.

"Gaz was out on the field on Monday doing some basic skills with the coaching staff," he said.

"He’s getting close – he won’t be available this week but he’s doing everything right with his rehab. We’ll know more next week but he’s getting very close.

"We’ve not really got an update on Jack from where we were last week.

"He’s still in rehab and we’re still not too sure when his return date will be.

"He’s doing everything right but he’s still got a bit to do."

Price confirmed that there were no further injuries in the squad ahead of the game.

Matt Davis and Jake Mamo were both left out of the matchday 17 at Wigan but also did not feature in Saturday's reserve fixture against Newcastle.

"We just picked the team we thought was right for that weekend," Price said of their omission.

"There’s going to be weekends where a number of players might not get a game across the board. That is decided week-to-week."