On Monday afternoon I had the privilege of appearing on Aaron Kearney’s drive program on ABC 1233 Newcastle.
The reason? To discuss the pros and cons around the frantic and often farcical final ten minutes of NRL matches that finish all square in normal time.
A supplementary reason behind the discussion was that Aaron is a Knights fan; a passionate one and just one of many, sick to death of seeing two competition points slip away in a situation based on fate rather than fortitude.
Locating a fan in full support of the sudden death system is a tricky task. I tried on Tuesday and found little love for what is increasingly being exposed as the most ineffective and unjust method to separate two NRL sides after an epic 80-minute contest.
Most fans are enthralled and gripped by the action when watching as a neutral and they may even take some sick sense of satisfaction from seeing enemy clubs stripped of rewards by the obligatory field goal.
However, when the 13 men wearing their own team’s colours become engaged in the toss of a coin that is golden point, the opinion shifts dramatically, with most fans despising the concept.
It is easy to see why the NRL wants, supports and maintains it. The drama that unfolds temporarily eliminates any memories of normal time and whatever the result, the added seconds become the story and the headline the following morning.
The concept began in 2003, with finals matches the guinea pigs used by the NRL prior to that time. Since then, there have been 122 golden point matches played in the NRL, with just 14 of those remaining deadlocked at the completion of the extra periods of play.
The numbers provide perfect reasoning for Newcastle fans’ dislike of the concept with the Knights' winning success rate in golden point matches sitting at a paltry 28 per cent; having won just three of 14 in added time. It is no wonder that the Hunter feels very much on the wrong end of the stick when it comes to the crapshoot that is golden point.
Only the Tigers fair worse of all NRL teams with a dismal four successes from 18 attempts. The Bulldogs top the charts and their 70 per cent winning record suggests they have enjoyed more than their fair share of luck over the years, having lost just three of 13 matches.
Interestingly, it doesn’t have to be this way. Fans don’t dislike the concept merely for the concept itself. The growing fury around golden point exists because of the farce it becomes.
What kind of sport adds time to a match to determine a winner and then changes the rules of the contest? NRL referees slam the whistle in their pocket during golden point, fearful of deciding the match with a penalty.
It becomes somewhat comical as field goal kickers are protected and shepherded by blockers; cleverly positioned to interfere with the intended charge-down runs of defenders. Those defenders are generally well offside by the time the ball has been played and passed to the kicker; before they launch themselves in his direction.
The level of wrestle, grapple and flopping in the ruck area increases considerably when the clock is refreshed and a combination of all of the above makes the scoring of a try an almost bizarre option.
Just one of the last 14 golden point games has been decided by something other than a field goal; when Elliot Whitehead scored the match-winning try at GIO Stadium in 2017 and the Raiders beat the Dragons.
If the expectations of the officials and their willingness to enforce them remained consistent in golden point, the level of fan distrust in it would potentially be lessened.
Imagine fans leaving a stadium saying, “Oh well, we played well, but they were the better team in golden point.”
Instead, fans leave golden point matches feeling robbed and deceived; with the men and women in the fluorescent gear the perceived masterminds of their downfall.
It is a clear choice for the NRL. Maintain a stiff upper lip, insult fans and refuse to budge on a system that is inherently flawed. Or make a change and give the paying and viewing public a fair finale to what are often compelling and dramatic matches.
The people of Newcastle deserve it, in fact, we all do. After Round 4, perhaps the Dragons, Sea Eagles and Penrith fans momentarily love it.
However, I can assure them that it will not be too long before they once again, despise it.
Quote: “…….Fans don’t dislike the concept merely for the concept itself…..””
Umm, yeah nah. Say what??
P.S. I am ok with a draw at full-time, but I am old school
1 point for try conversion
5 points for try
2 points for penalty conversion
1 point for field goal,
Would decrease the chance of tied game.
Scrap extra time except for finals.
I think the rules need a bit of tinkering with the seven tackle set. If a team is winning the territory arm wrestle; takes a shot and misses, the other team is highly likely to get a shot attempt because of the seven tackle set. Maybe get rid of it for golden point – but maybe get rid of it altogether.
You are spot on and that was part of our conversation on air JKoppe. It just becomes a silly seven tackle shootout, with little chance of a break in the pattern
Hi Stuart, Thanks for your article. I often read your aleague previews on The Roar. Unfortunately, I am quite disappointed in the quality of the above article. You imply and state numerous times that golden point is essentially casting lots. I have no problem with you having a particular opinion however you provide zero evidence that this is the case and merely jump to preconceived conclusions.
The fact that Newcastle has a poor record in golden point does in no way incriminate the system. If I was to say to you that because the Brisbane Lions have consistently underperformed in the last decade and a half that the AFL is fundamentally flawed, I hope you would laugh at me. It is a ridiculous claim.
I must say I completely agree with you as to the double standards that are shown in Golden Point but as you rightly mention, this has nothing to do with the system itself.
But then you just continue to talk about how bad and fortune ridden the format is without actually telling me why.
I came into this article with hope that you would objectively analyze the pros and cons of golden point but came out feeling disappointed by the over opinionated, pre-supposed look at golden point.
Thanks for your time Stuart and I trust you have a nice week.
Manly are lucky that DCE can kick field goals left or right foot.
It’s an advantage to be amphibious. 😳
He has won 5 matches and stands as the all-time golden point field goal specialist.
if we have to have golden point, then i like the idea of getting i point after 80 minutesand an extra point if you win in golden point, at least that way the losing team gets something, still prefer a draw to be as draw.
I prefer a draw and one point each. Was the stupid golden point brought in because of the gambling industry that took over our game needed a result or was it introduced by the NRL because the NRL dislikes having the same rules two years in a row❔❓❔❓ This is not world cup soccer. We don’t need a Golden Point. Its a shambles of footballers trying to kick a field goal. What is the percentage of successful field goals during the life of this idiot concept. At a guess I would say their is 5 attempts before someone flukes one.
During the season a draw after 80mins should be just that a draw, semifinals should have 10mins each way and the entire 20 is played.💪🐔👍
Golden try is the only fair thing. If no try after 10 mins call it a draw.