Golden point of Contention

The recent spate of golden point extra time matches in the National Rugby League has again created vigorous debate as to whether or not it should be scrapped in favour of a fairer system for determining regular time deadlocks, and one that is conducive to more entertaining climaxes.

On Sunday, Canberra Raiders clawed their way back from a 24-0 deficit after 65 minutes against Brisbane Broncos, to level at 24-all after 80 minutes of normal time, but lost in extra time via a Peter Wallace field goal.

Round 13 featured two games that went into extra time; the former finishing in a 14-all draw between St George-Illawarra Dragons and Parramatta Eels after golden point extra time, with both sides missing several field goal attempts; and the latter, finishing with a Robbie Farah field goal in the 87^th minute, to give the Wests Tigers a scrappy 17-16 victory over Newcastle Knights.

Players and coaches have weighed into the debate, with opinions divided as to whether the system should be changed.

Tigers coach, Tim Sheens, and Sea Eagles coach, Des Hasler, have been opponents of the concept since its implementation in the NRL in 2003. Even though the Tigers won its recent golden point match, Sheens used that particular post match press conference to reiterate his disapproval of the system.

Wayne Bennett also joined the list of those to speak out against the system, after his sides draw against Eels.

"I'm reading about all the supposed changes we should be making, and I'm sitting there watching them go another ten minutes tonight and I'm thinking, 'are we kidding ourselves or what?'

I'm happy with the draw, I've always been happy with the draw,