The problem with golden point extra time (GPET) isn’t the concept itself – it’s the attitude of the teams and the coaches.
Why is there such an accent on attempting to kick field goals to break deadlocks, particularly when a large percentage of the shots are taken from either impossible positions or under too much pressure?
Why isn’t there a greater emphasis on trying to score tries, or at least getting a repeat set so you can begin another attack from great field position?
I really find the obsession with field goals in GPET extraordinary.
I can understand one or two desperate attempts to kick a field goal in the last few minutes of normal time, when you know the clock is about to run out.
But once the game goes to GPET there are 10 minutes in which to do something.
You don’t have to try to win the game straight away, especially through an ill-conceived attempt at field goal with the defence rushing at you and little or no time in which to get set.
Instead of just running from dummy half to try to get close enough to have some chance of landing a field goal, why don’t teams actually play some football?
Chances are they will end up further down the field on the last tackle and in a position to either put up a bomb, a more shallow kick to the wing, or a grubber into the in-goal.
Teams defending in those situations are going to be nervous about what to do, out of fear they could make a mistake and basically hand the game over to the opposition.
The team in possession in GPET is the team that has the strength, so why do they look so desperate?
They’ve got 10 minutes in which to get a result, and if you hang on to the ball and at least finish off your set with a good kick and chase, the other team is going to be under a lot of pressure to play off their own line without making a mistake.
My memory is not the greatest, but I seem to recall in the early days of GPET there was at least some effort to try to get into try-scoring positions.
It wasn’t all about the field goal, but it gradually became that way.
The Melbourne-Manly game that finished in a 10-10 draw, despite the extra 10 minutes, shouldn’t be regarded as proof that GPET is a bad idea.
It should be viewed as evidence the teams and coaches have got their approach all wrong.
If either of those teams had chosen to try to build pressure on Monday night, they stood a better chance of getting a win than they did from the shots at field goal.
I like GPET. As a big fan of the NFL, I thought it was a great idea when the NRL took the idea from that code.
It didn’t have to become a field goal kicking competition.
Also, I don’t buy the argument it’s too hard on players to – very occasionally – go around for whatever part of an extra 10 minutes it takes to get a result.
If you want to get real about the physical demand on players, go back to the fact they are asked to play 24 regular-season games in the toughest football competition in the world and the elite players are expected to back up for their clubs as soon as 48 hours after State of Origin matches.
That’s where it’s hard on players – not for an extra one, two, five or 10 minutes when they’re already out there anyway.
Wait and see – the next time a team scores a try to settle the argument in GPET, everyone will fall in love with the concept again.
The worry is how long we might have to wait to see it happen.
oikee
Guest
The only time crowds get excitied now is golden point, why dont we kill the contest completely and let the caribbean refs finish the game off completely. I hope Tommy takes on the killing of golden point, take it on Tom, you can bet your house that rugby league will shoot itself in both feet, that is one bet you will never lose. hehe.
solly
Guest
1. If Golden Point is the way to go, then a Golden Try is the way to do it. 2. Arguing for a return to the draw has nothing to do with toe-poke kicking, unlimited tackles, black & white TV or the 6 o'clock swill. 3. If Golden Try period ends in a draw, it should not have going into Golden Try in the first place. 4. This is why fans have no right to complain about athletes using extra 'help' to combat the physical stress in order to satisfy fan expectations.
The Spectator
Roar Guru
remove a player from each side after the first 5 every 2 minutes in extra time golden try till a result and let the coaches choose who to take off with an official and 2 trainers this wont interupt the game with stoppages and we get to see some attacking entertaining football rather than the skewwed fest we normally see.
Damn Straight
Roar Rookie
*is
Damn Straight
Roar Rookie
Who likes an anti-climax. But let me add that golden try would work for me. Let's keep the clock ticking till there a result. I'm sure the networks would love that. :)
Arthur fonzarelli.
Guest
1. Golden try is a must . The golden field goal situation is not attractive to watch . Golden try should end the game , but if a field goal is kicked play should continue. 2. Those arguing for a return to the draw may also wish to reintroduce toe poke goal kicking , unlimited tackles ,, as well as black and white tv and the 6 o clock swill . 3. If the golden try period still ends in a draw , double overtime should occur , then triple until there is a result if need be . 4. Listening to players whinge about having to play extra time is like listening to a worker complaining about their hours . Harden up, get on with it , you only earn a living playin this game because the public pay for it as a form of entertainment . If you don't want to play extra time , go and play for the goodooga magpies .
Griffo
Guest
The teams did change their style because they know where their best chance of winning lies. Get rid of any extra time in the regular season. It's not needed and we shouldn't stop draws as a result just cos they make us feel a bit uncomfortable afterwards. The reality is these sides have 80 minutes to decide a match and if they can't do it in that time they don't need an extra ten minutes to see who can score first. I also find it a strange inconsistency to have a draw not acceptable after 80 mins but allowable after 90. At least basketball plays until they get a winner. Extra time for finals only, no golden point. Golden try i think is still not great because it diminishes the value of conversion kicking and what if a team kicks 2 penalty goals before the other team scores a try. In regulation time that would be 4-4 but apparently it's not good enough in golden try. If it's golden anything perhaps it should be first to 6 points but if that hasn't been achieved by the end of extra time then whoever leads
daniel p
Guest
draws are a horrible result for the players and fans.
Boz
Guest
How does golden point show the limitations of 6 tackle football? The whole Idea of limited tackles means that you have to be more constructive in your set. Unlimited tackles was abolished in the 60's due to the bash and barge, one out football it produced.
reality bites
Guest
Chuckie does make a valid point, even if by accident. The point is rugby league teams play dumb football. Golden point also shows the limitation of the 6 tackle rule. Teams cannot construct play, or build pressure, as they are forced to hand over possession at the end of each set.
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
penalty kicks? rugby? you sure you are on the right website chuckie?
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
Like Perth and Rugby League, we dont need golden point
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
You just keep playing til there is a winner. Thats been set in stone for a while. Keep up with what going on Andy...
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
channel 9 rate it cause all the women put down their cleaning products and watch it for 10 minutes which boosts their ratings.
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
Best 5 words ive ever read re golden point
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
wanting teams to change their style is like staying up on xmas eve waiting for santa claus. he aint arriving greg!
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
easier said than done. They dont want to decide the game. They are only human.
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
The draw is fine. People who need more entertainment havent appreciated the 80 minutes they've just seen. These sport fans are their to feel popular and do what everyone else is doing. Leave sport to the real fan, not the pretend one. They will go along with it after a while if you tell them its good anyway.
chuckie
Guest
Teams need to take the penalty kicks a bit more instead of having so many missed opportunities to score a try. When we have one team having possession for extended periods of time at the oppositions try line surely they know they've got the momentum and will end up there very quickly. So penalty kicks are actually worth taking. That's a smarter way to play rugby.
Sideline Commentator
Guest
True there is extra time betting, but it is not a significant market compared to the traditional ones because of limitations on internet betting, which is the largest medium for betters. Extra time betting isn't easily available on the sites before a game, and people would rarely bet on it as it is uncommon. The only way bet on extra time really is to get on the phone in those few minutes before of during it and make a bet that way. Not really a huge market is it. It was for the fans, not the agencies: they're just trying to make the best of the opportunity.