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Officiating remains a black mark on the NRL

Former NRL referee Bill Harrigan (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Roar Pro
24th July, 2012
20

The 2012 NRL season has been magical so far. Thrilling comebacks, fierce rivalries, and skill has graced the NRL this year.

The stumbling block of this great game, though, is the inept and inconsistent officiating, which is highlighted week after week, game after game.

This remarkably poor standard of control that has been established in 2012 stems from the on-field officials, to the video referee and even as far as the judicial system, which has come under immense fire this week.

While making countless blatant wrong decisions is highly frustrating for coaches and fans alike, the stunning inconsistency at which all the officials in the NRL are operating is much more painful for the rugby league universe.

Inconsistency has marred numerous games throughout this season, with problem areas proving to be the “separation” rule, obstructions and the wrestling manoeuvres now implemented by players.

Despicably erratic decisions in regards to forward passes also prove that the level of officiating in the NRL is currently well below the standard required for this world-class game.

As aforementioned, this week’s rulings by the match review committee has left many experts, coaches and fans perplexed and utterly shocked.

While Greg Inglis’ spectacular hit on Dean Young warranted a spell out of the game, the general consensus is that the Grade 4 Dangerous Contact charge and a potential five-week sentence is over the top and more worryingly, definitely not in keeping with previous charges laid down for similar offences in 2012.

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Many have compared Inglis’ hit to Frank Pritchard’s and Ben Te’o’s earlier in the year; both challenges yielded smaller punishments.

Another notable decision by the committee this week was to suspend Travis Burns for a combined 16 weeks after two indiscretions on Sunday.

Other than most rugby league viewers being unable to fathom the hefty penalty delivered by the match review panel, inconsistency has again been highlighted, as Burns received four of the 16 weeks for a “chicken wing” manoeuvre. Similar moves have been applied all season, but none have been dealt with the same velocity.

The Independent Commission needs to act swiftly and smartly on the recent standard of officiating.

This is no longer an underlying issue as it is taking away from the outstanding performances displayed by players and teams.

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