NRL to explore red line for offside call after bunker critiscm

THE NRL will consider implementing a line for offside rulings but not until the end of season 2016, following more controversy for the bunker.

NRL Referees Bunker. Note there is a 7pm embargo on these. Please credit NRL Photos.

THE NRL will consider implementing a line for off-side rulings but not until the end of the season after deeming the current level of technology not advanced enough to be fast-tracked into use for match officials.

The bunker has drawn criticism following a handful of controversial rulings during Parramatta’s 22-10 win against Manly on Thursday night.

Calls have grown for the NRL to introduce a line for offside rulings, similar to the red 10-yard line used during NFL broadcasts and the world record line often seen during swimming races.

The discontent came after Parramatta were denied a try when Brad Takairangi was ruled offside by the on-field officials before it was sent to the bunker for review.

Referees boss Tony Archer said the video referees had insufficient evidence to overturn the decision and that he was happy with the ‘process’ of the judgement.

Earlier this year, Roosters coach Trent Robinson lashed out at the bunker after his side were denied a matchwinning try when Mitch Aubusson was ruled offside in a similar situation to that of Takairangi.

Archer said the NRL had explored implementing the line recently but have been unsatisfied with its reliability.

“We have looked at this technology previously as well as other technologies including tracking technology, and we will continue to assess its progress,” Archer said. “But it’s only something we will consider when it reaches an appropriate level of accuracy and reliability, while also being used consistently throughout the whole competition and at all venues.”

But any changes to the NRL’s $2 million central command centre will not happen this year. Instead, the NRL will explore alterations to the bunker at the end of this season, once they have a more practical understanding of the video process according to Archer.

“Overall the bunker has been a success,” Archer said. “We have seen decision-making which has been faster, more accurate and more consistent.

“It is early days and we are only seven weeks into using the technology in premiership matches. We’ve been clear that the bunker should be judged at the end of the year not after seven rounds.

“There are always going to be decisions which create some debate, and no amount of technology will change that.”

Archer also backed the no-try ruling against Parramatta’s Corey Norman.