Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler has thrown his support behind golden point but has also called for extra time to be introduced before it as the fairest way to settle a contest.
Golden point was introduced to the NRL in 2003 but has always polarised clubs, players and fans with traditionalists still supporting a draw, while critics have suggested alternatives like ‘golden try’ to eliminate golden point from degenerating into a field goal shootout.
Fittler weighed into the debate during his Five with Freddy weekly segment for nswrl.com.au after three NRL matches from round four were decided by golden point.
Penrith beat Wests Tigers 9-8 on the back of a field goal from Nathan Cleary, Manly downed South Sydney 13-12 following a one-pointer from Daly Cherry-Evans, while Corey Norman also nailed one to help St George Illawarra beat Newcastle 13-12.
Fittler called for the introduction of extra time before golden point, a concept that has been floated previously which would see 10 minutes of additional time added to the game to break the deadlock without the game being over immediately when one team scores.
“I like golden point, they could manipulate the way they do it,” Fittler told nswrl.com.au.
“It puts everyone on notice – you can’t make an error in golden point put it that way. I think maybe extra time and then golden point could be the best scenario.”
Fittler also moved away from other suggestions that the winner of golden point should receive maximum competition points while the loser still received a point for the initial draw.
“I think someone was mentioning giving a point to the loser - I don’t think we all need trophies,” Fittler said.
“Political correctness can stay out of our golden point, alright? Not everyone needs a trophy.
“Let’s just find a winner. I think it’s very exciting and I love it.”
Even if a State of Origin decider goes down to golden point this season?
“Well, hopefully we’re on the side that scores the point,” Fittler said.
