NRL grand final 2015: Wayne Bennett hits out at golden point system after Broncos loss

BRONCOS coach Wayne Bennett has provided the biggest talking point of the NRL Grand Final - but do you agree with the super coach? Have your say.

BRONCOS coach Wayne Bennett slammed the golden-point concept, believing grand finals should not be decided by an extra-time shootout.

While Bennett praised North Queensland’s bravery, he lashed the extra-time process that enabled the Cowboys to break the Broncos’ hearts with a 17-16 triumph in the NRL grand final.

Bennett has been a long-time critic of golden-point contests and he reiterated his displeasure last night after Johnathan Thurston’s 82nd minute one-pointer proved the difference.

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“I’ve never been a fan of golden point,” he said.

“There was a reason it was introduced, it was because we had a drawn game in State of Origin (in 2002).

“I think it’s unfair on everyone. I still don’t see what’s wrong with a draw. The game has gone 100 years and we didn’t have golden point for a long time.

“I’m pleased for the Cowboys, the point I am making is we shouldn’t have golden point and I haven’t changed since it was introduced a decade ago.

“I have no issue with the way the Cowboys played.”

Johnathan Thurston slots home the golden point field goal to win the premiership.

Rugby league witnessed drawn grand finals in consecutive years almost 40 years ago. The 1977 decider was drawn 9-all between Parramatta and St George before Cronulla and Manly were locked 11-all the following season.

The Dragons and Sea Eagles went on to win the replays and Bennett said he would have happily prepared his Broncos troops for a return bout next week.

“I would have been happy to come here again next week, it (extra-time) is not the way I wanted it decided as a coach or player,” he said.

“I’m not bitter, don’t twist it. The bottom line is we had a wonderful grand final, my guys were absolutely outstanding and had a great season.”

“I’m proud to be here, it was a great game of football and the end result was 16-all. It was decided by golden point.”