NRL boss Todd Greenberg has confirmed the golden point system may receive a shake-up next season with a competition point given to the losing team.
But Greenberg was adamant that the under fire golden point concept would not be scrapped, saying he was no fan of games finishing in a draw.
MASCORD: Golden-point bonus points are unfair
Introduced ahead of the 2003 season, the golden point format has been criticised in recent years with critics claiming teams that lost a game lasting more than 80 minutes did not deserve to walk away empty handed.
Greenberg said that was a possibility for 2020, with a golden point tweak to be discussed at the December 5 independent commission meeting.
The topic has already been spoken about at the NRL’s competition committee a fortnight ago and at last Friday’s NRL coaches conference.
If introduced, it may also shake up how competition points are awarded.
Under the proposed change, the NRL may in 2020 reportedly adopt the AFL system where four points are earned by the winning team.
And team who wins golden point games will reportedly earn three points and the loser one.
Greenberg said the golden point tweaks had been a major talking point at the competition and coaches meetings.
“At the moment it is simply an idea,” he said.
“It is a proposal and ultimately the commission will talk about that when they meet at the end of next week.”
Asked if teams should get a point after losing a golden point fixture, Greenberg said: “I am not sure if they should but they certainly could under this proposal.
“It’s been talked about a lot in recent times, about when you get to the end of 80 minutes whether there should be just reward for that (losing) team.
“It is a discussion and a proposal at the moment.”
Greenberg said reverting to a system where teams finish with a draw if scores are locked up after 80 minutes was not on the table.
“No. There has been no discussion with me and certainly I have been a strong proponent for supporting the concept of golden point,” he said.
“The numbers speak for themselves. When you get to the end of 80 minutes our ratings numbers on both broadcast partners go through the roof when we hit that (golden point) period.
“We understand what business we are in. We are in the entertainment business and we are going to continue to find ways to innovate the game and make sure fans are fully engaged with us.”
Big Daddy
Guest
When the dust settles and they discuss this nothing will happen because if Greenberg doesn't like it it won't happen. So much for listening to what the fans and clubs want.
Dutski
Roar Guru
While we're taking about competition points, can we get rid of the points for a bye. Absolutely ridiculous concept.
Dutski
Roar Guru
I like this. Great idea.
a
Roar Rookie
Just play the full 10 minutes please
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Knowing how people with vested interest in something can make figures and stats and data to support their narrative, I'd like to look over that research.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Hear Hear!! Greenburg and the game being run by the bookies is absurd. So we all have to put up with this joke of an ending just because Greenburg isn't a fan? Get rid of GP.
steveng
Roar Rookie
What betting? What about the bookies having to fork out when there is a ‘dead heat’ in horseracing? That only happens very seldomlie in horseracing and is a far more devastating result for the bookies (they have to pay 2x winning bets) because, in the NRL they wouldn’t have to fork out anything, as they have a ‘Draw” bet and if its a draw, all wining bets are annulled. If Greenburg and the NRL are that tied and dictated to by the bookies and NOT the fans then, the NRL is in big trouble(s)! I’ve been against GP, ever since it was introduced and I’ve seen allot of shocking results where, the best side(s) didn’t win and were robbed and it ruined their season(s)! “Get Rid of Golden Points” its unpopular and unjust and wrong! The NRL does not need it, RL survived for 95 years without GP’s, (GP’s was first introduced in 1997 Super League Tri-series) then fully introduced in the NRL in 2003, GP has been controversial and very unpopular, get rid of it asap!
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
Cheers Adam. Perhaps I should have clarified, a draw without golden point, where both teams play extra time not to lose rather than play to win as they do in golden point. The difference is subtle.
Adam
Roar Guru
There was one this year. So League fans must have pretty terrible memories
Nat
Roar Guru
Lose after 80mins = 0 points. Lose after 81mins = 1pt. Ok, GP sends ratings through the roof so keep it but why rewarding the loser makes no sense - they are the only beneficiaries in this concept. I try not a rag on Greenberg too much but I do wish he wasn't so reactive to an off-season media talking point/s. This has no benefit to the outcome of the game nor does it add any excitement to the play, it's AFL thinking - a point for missing.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Just like to see Golden Try, with any other score in extra time just going onto the scoresheet, and at the end of extra time, that's the score that's used. You would see some crazy ball throwing around at the end of extra time, if a team is down and the only way to win is to get a try.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
Personally, I have no problem with golden point or winner takes all. My issue is with the fact that whoever wins the toss, in extra time, has a distinct, unfair advantage. Would like to see some answer to this, maybe some time limit before a shot for goal is allowed.
Boz
Guest
He's hopeless. The sooner he's gone the better.
Big Daddy
Guest
Most fans don't like it . Most players don't like it. Because Greenberg likes it it has to be. Get rid of this fool. Hi
Flexis
Roar Rookie
As all above I’d prefer to just go back to accepting a draw. This change would go someway towards that in that both teams are effectively sharing the points with the opportunity to gain a “bonus point” in extra time. But it’s a halfway fix. You’d think this would take some of the urgency and importance out of golden point, with even more preference on winning within 80mins. Who wants to give up a point to the opposition and enter into the golden point lottery? And once you’re in that lottery the prize is now halved. On top of that a team who loses in GP will get the same points as one who draws after 90. Less on the table, less urgency and importance. I can see the last few minutes turning into a really dour affair if no one looks like potting a field goal. So the spectacle is ruined, teams share the points and everyone keeps dreaming of the good old days of the draw. Gotta wonder why not just roll it back the whole way and go back to a draw after 80.
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
It has been so long since the last draw that many people have forgotten what is wrong with a draw!
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I’m fine with a draw in competition games.
madridjohn
Guest
I suspect it might have something to do with betting. The industry commits heaps of cash to our sports and have alot of influence. I've heard that having a definite result simplifies the odds and such. Either way, i have no problem with a drawn game myself. On occasion, it's the fairest outcome i reckon.
Walter White
Guest
"The numbers speak for themselves. When you get to the end of 80 minutes our ratings numbers on both broadcast partners go through the roof when we hit that (golden point) period" Ok, if this is the reason how about 3pts for the win 1 pt each for the draw then another 1pt for golden point ?
Walter White
Guest
A step in the right direction perhaps but I just don't get it. Can someone please explain what is so bad about a draw ? Why wouldn't Greenberg be a fan of it ?