NRL considers live streaming judiciary cases for fans

Fans left frustrated by the NRL judicial process could soon be able to watch a live stream of the closed-door hearings and decide the evidence in the cases for themselves.

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The NRL will consider broadcasting judiciary cases live to give fans a rare and educated insight into rugby league’s maligned justice system.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the possibility of live-streaming hearings will be included in an exhaustive end-of-season review into the NRL’s entire judicial process.

If approved, the vision would allow fans to understand the mechanics of what can be legally complicated judiciary cases.

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Fans could soon be able to watch NRL judiciary hearings live. Art: Scott ‘Boo’ Bailey.

The NRL claimed that televising hearings would “improve transparency” and “reduce the level of frustration” among supporters.

The development comes days after a furore erupted over South Sydney’s Sam Burgess having his high shot on Cronulla’s Matt Moylan downgraded.

The decision has freed Burgess to play against Melbourne this Sunday, while Moylan will not play this weekend after suffering concussion when knocked out in the incident.

“We have already said there will be a complete review at the end of the season, as there always is,” an NRL spokesman said.

“Everything is on the table, including the possibility of live streaming to improve transparency and understanding of the process.

“If fans were able to hear all the evidence on both sides, it may reduce the level of frustration.”

Not every case would make interesting viewing. Photo: AAP Image/Steven Saphore

The NRL filmed a “blind run” of several judiciary hearings last year to gauge interest in live streaming.

That process included a camera being placed at the back of the room and all proceedings being recorded, other than private deliberations among the three-member panel after the hearing.

The vision wasn’t aired publicly but sent to the RLPA, which pulled back on the initiative over concerns that barristers inside the judiciary room could “make players look silly” under cross-examination.

If the RLPA can now be convinced to alter its stance, the NRL could live stream cases as early as next season.

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“I love the idea,” said Ryan Girdler, the former NSW and Australian centre. “I like the transparency and it would increase engagement levels.

“We are trying to provoke discussions in our game. You’ll get a lot of people interested.

“Everyone has opinions these days. If we can give them to ability to ‘sit in’ on hearings, then that would be a great move. I’m all for it.”

Influential figures at Rugby League Central also support the idea of showing hearings to fans every Tuesday evening.

NRL insiders are aware that angry fans, who are refused entry into the hearings, bombard social media and radio talkback after hearings without having obtained the adequate facts.

And NRL management also believes live streaming would attract strong online traffic during high-profile cases.

“Judiciary processes, like all aspects of the competition, are reviewed at the end of every season and this season will be no different,” the NRL spokesman.

South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Sam Burgess (left) at the NRL judiciary Picture: AAP

Meanwhile, former NRL judiciary chairman Paul Conlon has disputed suggestions that former players should be replaced on the judiciary panel.

“I maintain my view that the present system of a chairman and three past players as the panel is the best system,” Conlon said.

“I think it has worked well over a lengthy period of time. There will always be decisions which will be controversial.”