The Bunker has been part of the game since 1998.
1998 saw a few things:
•The end of the ARL and Super League war
•The two warring competitions uniting to become the NRL
•The introduction of the video referee
The video referee was introduced to make decisions which the on-field official was uncertain of. Even though we have seen many decisions called by the video referee that has caused controversy, major arguments and blow-ups up from captains, I still think there are benefits to it.
The fact of the matter is, we can’t see everything as it happens so we do have to see it again just to make an accurate answer. I have seen some calls that I don’t agree with and I won’t deny I have lost my s**t a few times when the call was made but it is what it is. I’m pretty sure everyone reading this has that in common.
The one downfall is when the Bunker takes too much time.
I do have my own solutions to the matter. Before I proceed, these are my solutions and I’m prepared for not everyone agreeing with me and there’s nothing wrong with that.
1. Reviews can’t take more than 45 seconds
2. Two slow motion replays maximum
3. First one in normal speed
4. Remove the on-field referee’s decision
5. If a solution hasn’t been made in the allocated time, replay the tackle.
With solution 5, whether or not it was a try, we have no idea so we may as well compensate to give another shot. I don’t think many enjoy waiting forever and a day for the Bunker to make a decision.
As I mentioned before, every Roarer will have their own idea of how it will go. Some may agree with me and others may not. So now I’ve said my bit, let me see how other Roarers think.
Heyou
Roar Rookie
Rules that can be interpreted in too many ways by the bunker guy, who must have a direct line to the commentators, who regularly go on and on or just go OFF, are not good rules. Some simplification of some rules might help. The obstruction rule is a real pain… hmmm… na the bunker could drive a spectator mad so I’ve decided to just roll with the punches and drink more scotch.
Tony
Roar Guru
Good man :happy:
Heyou
Roar Rookie
I hate covid AND the bunker.
Heyou
Roar Rookie
Old navy term. :silly:
Rob
Guest
The bunker is only as good as the bloke pushing the button. Honestly if the ref makes a call and it isn't an obvious mistake just let the call stand. My issue is the amount of slow mo angles used to disprove the blokes judgement with the whistle. There are 50/50 calls everywhere so we don't need 6 scommos to screw up our game IMO. Consistence is flawed in the pursuit of perfection unfortunately.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
The bunkers greatest value I believe is its ability to adjudicate on the close calls that humans have no chance of accurately calling during the game live. We see it often with these diving tries by wingers. I often hear that it is there to stop howlers but that's only part of its value.
JennyfromPenny
Guest
Absolutely. I also hear black and white TVs, and Commodore 64s are coming back on the shelf.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
If all of us could live with it, the bunker would have never been introduced in the first place.
Daffyd
Roar Rookie
The head is a ship's toilet. Like a galley is a kitchen and a brig is a cell. Nothing to do with the yanks.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Agree BD, and I also think the commentators play a big role. Crying foul or criticising refs to no end.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Spot on .....I think it was Andrew Johns who quite rightly stated "the game is not played in slow motion" If we have to keep the monstrosity then all replays should be at normal speed as it happened
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Yes mate I could live with that provided the on field ref viewed the footage & he made the final decision on it. No body knows who is in charge.....as long as the on field ref was the final arbiter then I could live with it grudgingly.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
That makes way too much sense mate, the NRL won’t hear of that!!
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Brainsavers
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Sometimes 20 replays to get it wrong at that
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I think the off field reffing in Rugby is getting much worse.. at the moment if a try gets scored they seem to be running through everything single event in the lead up. I’m a big fan of the code and how the game was officiated up until this technology obsession crept in over I’ll the last couple of seasons. If there was one thing Rugby didn’t need it was the introduction of more disruptions to game time.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
As much as I’d trust a bloke in a remote studio who is also a touchie or ref.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Personally I fail to see any improvements realised since shifting from the old TMO system. The only thing that seems to have changed is the delays due to the length of time allocated to reviews facilitated by the ridiculous number of available angles that the Bunker feels obliged to use.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
The closer and longer you look at something the more probability you can find fault. Two playbacks at the most, if unclear the benefit goes to the attacking team. Get rid of the touchies and use the video for goal kicks and touch line calls.
JennyfromPenny
Guest
I’m a big believer in the ref making the final call. Instead of making an initial call to the Bunker, he doesn’t reveal his thoughts. He could mark a card in his pocket if anyone needed proof of integrity. When Bunker reviews, if they can make a decisive / no argument call themselves, so be it. But if they are left none the wiser, and replays are inconclusive, the call goes back to the ref to award or disallow.