NRL: Cleary slams golden point as a 'lottery'

The Panthers fell to the last placed Eels in golden-point extra time. Photo / Getty Images

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has slammed the NRL's golden point concept as a "lottery", accusing referees of putting the whistle away when matches reach extra time.

The Panthers were controversially beaten 19-18 in golden point by Parramatta last Saturday night, and Cleary said he walked away convinced match officials stopped making tough decisions when drawn games are continued beyond the 80 minutes.

As Saturday's match reached its climax, Eels star Jarryd Hayne appeared to lose possession in a play-the-ball on the halfway line.

Despite an awkward pause on-field where players waited for either a knock-on or penalty to be blown, referees Jared Maxwell and Adam Devcich remained silent.

The no-call cost the Panthers valuable metres and time, as they looked to push up-field for a field goal on their next set. On Parramatta's next possession, the Eels got themselves in position for Chris Sandow to kick the winning point.

Cleary said NRL matches ceased being proper games when they reached golden point.

"There was one play in particular where Jarryd Hayne lost the ball in the play-the-ball and then everyone stood around waiting to see what the refs were going to do and they didn't do anything and it was play on," Cleary said on Tuesday.

"And that one play says to me that the referees are absolutely not going to do anything in golden point which means it's not a game any more. It's a lottery and what is the point?

"I've never been a fan of golden point. The weekend was just an example of why we shouldn't have it."

Cleary said there was nothing wrong with a drawn result, and that fans would appreciate the points being split.

Cleary was also upset at the NRL's scheduling which has meant the Panthers haven't received a bye in the lead-up to any of the three State of Origin games.

The battling club who are second-last on the NRL ladder, must face the high-flying South Sydney Rabbitohs without NSW stars Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis and Tim Grant.

In good news for the Panthers, halfback Luke Walsh's shoulder injury isn't long term, and if he doesn't play this weekend against Souths, he'll return following Penrith's bye in round 18.

Cleary said star back Michael Gordon is also on track to return from a broken leg and could also be back on the field after the bye.

-AAP