Titans v Sharks: Paul Gallen calls for golden point to be scrapped as debate returns

THE golden point debate has reared again, with coaches bemoaning the lack of offside penalties being called and one big name calling for it to be scrapped.

ANOTHER golden point game, another inevitable debate about the NRL’s extra-time system.

Cronulla captain Paul Gallen called for the concept to be scrapped, less than 12 hours after the Sharks’ winning streak ended with an 18-18 draw against the Gold Coast on Monday night.

“The only solution is to get rid of it,” Gallen told Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast.

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Paul Gallen and Greg Bird clash during the Sharks-Titans match at Cbus Super Stadium.

“If you want to play extra time, play the extra five minutes each way.

“If you can kick a field goal, kick a field goal.

“At the end of that 10 minutes if you win 11-10, then you win. But if you score a try, then that’s a golden try.”

Monday night’s draw was the second of the 2016 season and just the sixth since the start of 2010.

Each side missed a number of field goal chances, with charge-downs becoming the name of the game in the extra-time period.

Paul Gallen on the charge for the Sharks against the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.

Both coaches complained in post-match press conferences about the unwillingness of referees to blow penalties for offside and Gallen believes that is half the issue.

“There’s no doubt both sides were offside to charge down a couple of field goals,” he said.

“Which at the end of the day probably cost both sides.”

The NRL has this season introduced a mandatory 10-minute extra-time period for drawn finals matches this season, before then reverting to golden point if scores are still tied.