NRL fans lay into video referee

Peter Cassidy | 07/11/08 | 0

A nervous looking David Gallop emerged from the NRL fans forum yesterday, but considering the nature of the punters' complaints - it seems the video referees are the ones with their jobs on the line.

As fans were given their chance to vent their collective spleen on all issues rugby league, the value of the video referee - along with wrestling in tackles and the salary cap - all came under scrutiny.

With punters frustrated at the time taken for the video ref to make a decision, NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley admitted the system has to be reviewed.

"I think at the moment we have to drag that back a little because it's imposing on the game," Annesley said.

He also suggested referees are over-using the video option.

"They have to have the confidence to back their own judgment."

Fans also attacked the wrestle tackle which – besides being potentially dangerous for players - is slowing down the game.

But NRL boss David Gallop insisted there is no foreseeable solution other than to penalise offending players.

"We can't ban wrestling coaches because how do you enforce it," Gallop asked.

"We just have to remain vigilant."

I think at the moment we have to drag that back a little because it's imposing on the game... NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley