Round 1 hasn’t even concluded and yes, another golden point debate has arisen. But unlike other debates on The Roar, this one will not go nowhere.
I will personally tally the votes and forward the final result directly to the NRL.
The NRL probably couldn’t give two hoots what I think, but surely they still care enough to know this is the fans’ game?
I obviously care a little too much, especially considering I am writing this at midnight.
So why are you reading the 100th debate about golden point? Because I genuinely feel as though teams are being unfairly disadvantaged.
The match between Manly and Melbourne Storm is clearly the central focus point.
A game of two halves in which Manly led 20-0 at one stage only to be pegged back magnificently by a determined Storm outfit, who were without their dominant halfback Cooper Cronk might I add.
The final result after 80 minutes of good Round 1 rugby league was 22-22.
A draw in my book.
But of course the rules stipulate we must contest a drop-goal-athon.
Is it edge of your seat stuff? Well I’ve witnessed a fair few golden points and it kinda was edge of your seat, but the problem is there was always a loser.
I was there when Brisbane Broncos, led by Darren Lockyer, scored the winning field goal against the Dragons in golden point.
The look on Wayne Bennett’s face said it all. To lose that way is utterly cruel.
At no stage does a team actually attempt to go for field goals unless it is to provide a lead in which a converted try won’t be enough.
This will take place primarily before half time or before full time sounds. The main objective of the game, and correct me if I’m wrong, is to score more points than the opposition primarily through the form of tries and goals.
Field goals on the rare occasion when it’s a nailbiter and you’re trying to avoid golden point.
Though while Melbourne Storm would eventually get the field goal, it took them a pain staking three attempts to do so.
It’s predictable.
Run the ball straight to the middle for five hit-ups and then have a chosen player drop back 20 metres for another attempt at a field goal.
A draw is the fairer result for not only both teams, but both sets of fans. I’m not a Manly supporter or Melbourne, but if the roles were reversed then Storm fans would have a loss next to their position on the ladder.
Their efforts didn’t deserve a loss.
I can’t recall a time in which a team has been disadvantaged by a draw but a team’s position on the ladder has benefited for the win.
I say let’s vote no more golden points and start the change in which rugby league is played the old way, not this new form of Americanised entertainment.
What’s your vote: are you for or against golden point?
Dan
Guest
I wish it had never been bought in. Get this to the NRL - does it really get more viewers to the game and it robs teams of competition points. Plus it's crap footy, esp considering leaguies still can't kick a field goal anyway. Next question - do we need an 18th man to cover for concussion withdrawls? Both club docs would have to agree for them to be activated.
rick karaitiana
Guest
We sound like a bunch of old women, go back to the old way of a draw, neither side wins, but neither side lose;s as well you both come away with a point each, been there done that, every-one satisfied GP only finals to get a result.I can't believe all the crap I am hearing.
sheek
Roar Guru
This is discussed ad infinitum. I'm amazed that people still support the 'golden point.' It is totally useless & only there to satisfy the corporate bookmakers & totally bored. Golden point is necessary in finals playoffs when only one team will progress to the next stage. Totally meaningless & unnecessary in home & away regular season fixtures.
Timmy
Guest
I'm not saying it should be implemented I'm merely providing an example showing that it has and can be done
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Ok but you'd need to note it. People may ask who did Manly draw with?
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
Dean, Check out Sportsbet, there are up to 99 betting options per game including 'going to extra time' ($26 for Titans/sharks game, didn't check the other games) Having a draw will not affect sports betting in any way shape or form
Gazzatron
Guest
Yeah. Exactly like that.
JezRu
Roar Pro
Regular season should be a draw. Finals should be 5 each way and if still no result then GP. The 1point for a draw could make a big difference when deciding the make up of the 8 for finals.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Craig - With soccer, where a draw is common place (on average about 30% of games) - bookmakers can allow them in both head to head markets and multi-bet markets. For league, the chance of a draw after 80 minutes is slim (seasonally around 5%) and bookmakers would have to offer massive overs in their head-to-head markets to reflect the odds of a draw. The payout for a one dollar bet would have to be in the vicinity of $20. This would completely sabotage the head-to-head odds on offer. The punters would look elsewhere to bet. League sponsorship would suffer as a result. I'm sure that the bookies and the NRL have done the math and discussed Golden Point in detail.
turbodewd
Guest
I drive a 2008 FG Falcon with the Geelong-made i6 donk. I have Dick Smith's Ozemite and peanut butter in my pantry. The only state I havent been to is the NT :^) Im not worried about the Americanization of the NRL. What worries me is the Australianization - too many darn ads everywhere! Now they play the bloody VB music during the man-of-the match highlights. what a joke. And then there's the incessant bloody sports gambling ads. Oh FFS! :^)
CrazyStorm86
Guest
I don't really like golden point, it's usually a field goal attempt athon. If it's a draw after 80 mins of play, then play an extra 5-10 mins with a free 2-4 player interchange before the kickoff and if a team score, it's then up to the other team to score, before the end of extra time has finished. If none score, or they both finish on the same points it's a draw. In my opinion, even if a team scores in extra time, they should keep playing till times up, not finish when someone gets a try, penalty kick or field goal. Or atleast make them do trys in the first half of extra time, and then maybe field goal attempts in the second. I know a few people may not agree with me, but thats my opinion on how I would like it
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Ok, so it would look like this? Team Win Draw Loss Storm 1... 0 ... 0 Manly 0... 1 ... 0 Even though Storm drew but won, and Manly drew but lost.
Gazzatron
Guest
A draw for the team that didn't win and a win for the winning team sounds quite simple. Win, draw and loss columns don't need to change at all.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Despite being new to this game Axle, it's just as much yours as it is ours. Every sport played in Australia has it's own appeal and you'll find there are things you do and don't like in each sport. I like a,lot of how the AFL operates. They're very much about tradition. That I love!
Muzz
Guest
Thats fair enough mate,we all have varying tastes. In James Maloney style a draw would be like bbqing with your wife/husband or partner for 80 minutes and the job is not quite finished and you leave the ground feeling a little dissatisfied.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Fair enough Renegade, if you could what would be your slight improvements. Unless what was mentioned above was those slight improvements?
Cameron
Roar Guru
I'm with you on that Sleiman. Though I would like to add two 10 minutes of extra time. Then go for golden try.
Cameron
Roar Guru
That could work LD, but the NRL change so much as it is. At, least have to try and keep something the same.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Hi Muzz, it's been a while since I've written an article for the Roar. I've been very busy with my new job but I've also had a good break. Thanks for your comment. Although I'm still set on no extra time during regular season. I don't mind a draw. been enAs long as it's entertaining - which it was last night.
Muzz
Guest
Correct over 80 mins.I like the game to be decided though but by golden try which brings us back to where we started with my original comment. For the record - I didn't drag Team X into this : ))