Video refs don't have to be rocket scientists, says Test referee David Manson

"IT'S not rocket science being a video referee." That is the blunt view of former Test and State of Origin referee David Manson.

"IT'S not rocket science being a video referee." That is the blunt view of former Test and State of Origin referee David Manson.

Brisbane-based Manson said yesterday he believed anyone could do the job, as long as they knew the laws of the game.

The referee in the 1996 and 1997 ARL grand finals, Manson said he could understand why there was so much fuss over the "benefit of the doubt" try awarded to Manly winger Michael Oldfield in the Sea Eagles' 22-12 semi-final win over North Queensland in Sydney on Friday night.

Oldfield was awarded the try by video referees Steve Clark and Paul Simpkins, who gave Manly the benefit of the doubt even though replays clearly showed Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran had knocked on in the lead-up.

Cowboys coach Neil Henry said referees did not have a feel for the game and maybe it was time to get ex-players in the video box.

"I know Steve and Paul well and I was astounded they awarded the try," Manson said. "I don't know how they came up with that call.

"It doesn't matter who is in the box. But they need to know the laws of the game. It's not rocket science. If you know the laws you just have to say 'yes' or 'no' when a decision is required."

Manson said the benefit of the doubt rule unfairly penalised the defending team.

"We bend over backwards for the attacking side," he said.

Former Test skipper Brad Fittler said it was time to eradicate the benefit of the doubt rule.

Manson said it was getting to a stage where video replays should only be used to decide if the ball had been grounded for a try.

"A lot of referees are taking the soft option," he said. "They are too quick to go upstairs. Referees will not learn if they're not backing their own judgment and nine times out of 10 the first decision is the best.

"There appears to be a lack of confidence among the referees.

"It's impossible to get it right all the time, but it's important to be in position to make a decision. Who is teaching the referees positional play?"