Wigan coach Ian Millward has called for a ban on "razor-blade studs" after young star Harrison Hansen suffered "a great big hole in his leg" during Friday night's convincing win over Salford.

Hansen, a strong contender for the Young Player of the Year award after a fine campaign, was helped from the field in obvious pain during the first half of the clash at the JJB Stadium which Wigan won 40-12.

And Millward revealed after the game that the damage was caused by an opposition boot which sliced into the 19-year-old's leg as he was involved in a tackle.

"Harrison's got a great big hole in his leg," Millward admitted. "It's been caused by those blades players use now on the soles of their boots - they should all be banned.

"I don't know how many stitches he's had, I didn't want to get too close to him, but it was way too much for me. I got out of there.

"We've got the best doctor in the business - Dr Zaman - and he's sorted it out. He hasn't had to go to hospital or anything.

"But there's too much evidence to say 'they cut you'. It's a real issue."

It is not the first time a Warriors player has been cut down by an injury caused by a sharp blade from an opposition foot this term, and Millward is adamant the new technology has no part to play in rugby league.

Millward continued: "Jerry Seuseu had a similar injury earlier in the season, and the authorities have got to have a look at it.

"Our game is tough enough without people walking out there with razor blades on their feet. It might be okay in soccer where you get the odd sliding tackle, that's great, but not in our game."

Despite his opposition to the new technology, Millward revealed there are those inside the Wigan dressing room who favour the boots with blades - and he says he will not be stopping them from wearing them as long as they remain within the rules of the game.

He added: "A few of our players wear them, and I won't be stopping them as long as it's legal. But I would like to see them banned."