Rugby league continues to ignorantly turn a blind eye to one of the most glaring and obvious inconsistencies in the sport, specifically the way the video referee is used.
The classic case is if there is an obstruction that is missed or allowed to let go by the referee, the player makes a break and then scores. The referee can check on it, find that there was an obstruction and go back 70 metres for a penalty.
What about if the same play happens and the player who made the break is tackled 5m short of the line. The next play they score. “Sorry skipper, we can’t check on what happened back up field”.
How can rugby league allow such an obvious error go on and everyone either not be aware of it, or turn a blind eye to it?
What about if this happens in a grand final?
Well it already has. In 2010 when Mark Gasnier scored the first try of the match. A couple of tackles earlier, Brett Morris’ foot was over the touch line with the ball in the lead up to the try.
It was missed by the touch judge.
If Morris passes to Jamie Soward who then kicks and Gasnier scores on that play, the try is disallowed.
But because it happened a few plays later, the try was allowed.
But here is an idea. Let’s turn a blind eye to it all! That way, if nobody talks about it, then it doesn’t exist.
The solution would be to only allow the video referee to be used for in goal decisions. The on-field referees would then be responsible for what happens, low and behold, on the field. However, in order to save the general public from complaining about ‘the obvious shepherd missed by the referees’ the game has allowed this inconsistency to go unchecked up until now.
Rugby league promotes itself as being a professional sport. But allowing this to go unchanged, is anything but professional.
Lewl
Guest
There are a lot of problems with the video refs - this is not one of the major ones. I'd just like some real consistency (and accuracy) to their decisions to start with, before they start making any more!
dragonsfan
Guest
Also, eliminate the referees opinion on ties,before he goes to the video ref. He makes a decision or he sends it to the video ref.
dragonsfan
Guest
Let's have the coaches challenge. That 'll stop all the the inconsistent and missed decisions from on field officials.
Russell
Guest
And you are absolutely correct People need to accept........that decisions don't always go their way cos they're not two any more! But I'd like more Refs decisions too!
Russell
Guest
Easts? Manly, who do you think is in charge of the NRL Ken Arthurson, Phil Gould, Bobby Fulton?
Russell
Guest
Sorry this is not a surprise Beardan
Russell
Guest
Best post of forever by zoran ;-)
Russell
Guest
Don't be calling the Poms any more - Pot,kettle colour!
Lovey
Guest
"If nobody talks about it, it doesn't exist"? Serious? The replays and arguments will still go on. If anything, technology should be used , where possible, even in running play. I am watching a game between Ipswich and Newcastle where, even in play stoppages, penalties have gone the wrong way- obvious on replay. I would think in this era of instant communication that this should not happen BTW, being picky, but it is "lo and behold". I notice everyone is writing "low".
Big J
Guest
it is time to give anyway the video ref, things have never been worse, the on field ref cant make a decision and stick to it, and if he gets it wrong those commentary wankers (Gould in particular) will never let them live it down, this is of course after they look at the footage twenty times and from twelve different angles. . Let's get back to the days when the ref and the touch judges actually do there job and the decision is final. or get let the video ref, ref the game from his box maybe that will be better. Just stop with the crap and the let the game flow again like it did before the third ref came into the game.
Beardan
Roar Guru
too petty. Scrums are what they are. Go back to the 80s and see what a mess they were then and you will complain less.
Beardan
Roar Guru
Same thing. I dont watch Super League. I have no idea what they are doing over there.
Beardan
Roar Guru
My solution calls for greater consistency. People need to learn to accept decisions made by referees cause, amazingly they are human and will make mistakes (as long as they are not completely incompetent) like they have to accept mistakes from players on their teams.
Beardan
Roar Guru
This is nonsense. My whole point is not agreeing with the policy. Video refs only for put downs, make that consistent. On field referees for on field stuff.
Onballer
Guest
It's not rugby league that has the problem. It is NRL.
zoran
Guest
worst post of the month by Russell
zoran
Guest
my pet hate is when defenders on the try line arent even behind the try line. sometimes they are in front of it with no foot even touching it. a penalty is never called for offside?! my other pet hate is scrums, they form for 2 seconds and locks can often be seen sneakily watching the play without ever putting their head in. scrums are a joke.
pete bloor
Guest
I think a bigger problem is people saying that doing something all the time is inconsistent. Disagree with the premise of the application sure, but you can't say that the way they've done it is consistent. Also your solutions actually call for greater ignorance not less.
Matthew Tomczyk
Roar Pro
I don't really think it's an inconsistency...if you agree on a policy of only reviewing the play when the try was score and apply it, then that's being consistent. If we only use the video ref for in-goal decisions then you could level the same charge you make against the current system too. Something like: "it's inconsistent to review in-goal decisions and not the whole play".
Redneck
Guest
While ever the mistakes go Manly and Easts way there will be no change.