If Ivan Cleary had his way, he would’ve shared the NRL points with the Wests Tigers last week.
But if Penrith were forced to take the three points and leave the club he walked out on with one, then he’d be okay with that too.
“I’m not totally against that. I think one of the things I really don’t like about golden point is the team that loses,” Cleary said.
Penrith’s dramatic 9-8 victory over the Tigers was one of three thrilling golden-point matches in round four.
Manly also edged South Sydney, while St George Illawarra also outgunned Newcastle in similarly pulsating finishes.
“It’s heartbreaking really, and not necessarily a clear indication of who the best team is on the night,” Cleary said.
“But I guess that’s for the competition committee to talk about.”
Cleary is on that committee, and the NRL has always been open to looking at different ideas for the competition should there be a groundswell of support.
One idea floated by league officials this week is awarding four points for an outright win, three for a victory in golden point, one for a loss in extra time.
Cleary has yet to see the proposal, but, short of eliminating golden point altogether, is open to the discussion.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, who has never been an advocate for golden point, Mal Meninga, John Lang, and Darren Lockyer are also on the committee.
Cleary believes earning a point is more reflective of the competition than relying on points differential to split the difference between teams.
“I might be old-fashioned, but I’m actually not a fan of golden point. I know it’s not going to happen, but I’d like to see it revert to a draw,” Cleary said.
“I think draws aren’t a bad thing.
“You get some odd numbers in the competition table so there’s less emphasis come semi-final time on for-and-against, which I’m definitely a fan of.”
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