SYDNEY - Australia's National Rugby League will consider amending its golden point rule to stop extra-time games descending into "field-goal-a-thons".
In one of several proposed rule changes to emerge from yesterday's coaches' conference, two options will be put forward to the NRL board regarding the golden point rule.
The first is to change the rule to golden try, with the first team to score a four-pointer in the extended 10 minutes awarded the match.
The second option is to scrap the golden point altogether, and instead play a full 10 minutes of extra time, five minutes each way.
Now if teams are tied at fulltime, 10 minutes of extra time is played with the first team to score the winners. The board may also opt to keep the current rule for the 2007 season.
"Obviously the suggestions were prompted by the possibility it can become just a field-goal-a-thon," NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said.
"The golden try is an attempt to perhaps take away the importance of determining the game just by field goals."
Wests Tigers' Tim Sheens led debate on implementing a coach's challenge rule which he said could help stop clubs bagging referees.
Similar to the system used in American football, Sheens proposed a limited challenge system which could be used only during stoppages in play.
While not necessarily wanting the rule adopted for 2007, the Tigers mentor hoped it could be explored further in the future.
"I realise there are arguments about slowing the game down but it would put some pressure on the coaches to actually make a challenge rather than just complain."
- AAP
