Finals golden point under review

October’s NRL grand final extra-time finish between North Queensland and Brisbane could be the last played out in the golden-point format.

While the controversial deadlock deciding system is already confirmed for next year’s regular season, NRL head of football Todd Greenberg has admitted a new system could be considered for finals matches.

“We are looking at alternate models for the finals series and in particular the grand final,” Greenberg told News Corp Australia.

“We pressure tested a range of thoughts and concepts with the competition committee and we will look to engage some of those ideas with the coaches.”

Greenberg also said the NRL would address the way referees officiate in the extra-time period, highlighting the importance that consistency in rulings is carried over from regular time game-play.

Coaches from all NRL clubs will meet on Monday and the extra-time format is considered to be the highest priority.

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett was particularly critical of the format following his side’s 17-16 grand final loss.

“The game’s designed for someone to lose,” he said after the match.

“I’ve never been a fan of golden point, it was introduced because we had a draw in a game of State of Origin.

“It’s a lottery. It’s unfair on everybody and it was most unfair here tonight. I would’ve been happy to come back here next week.

“I still don’t see what’s wrong with the draw. You’re talking about a grand final here. It’s personally not the way I want it decided.”

Other points of discussion at the coach’s conference are likely to centre around the new video refereeing bunker system, as well as the proposed implementation of shot clocks from scrums and goal line drop-outs.

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