THE NRL is set to take the radical step of introducing captain’s challenge for the finals series, with the system trialled in the under 20s finally given the green light.
The challenge system was brought in for the NYC competition in 2012 and has been used in that competition ever since.
Using the same video review technology currently called upon at the discretion of the on-field referees when a try is scored, the captain’s challenge system allows the skipper of both teams to call for a review of any on-field call.
Under the rules used in the Holden Cup, the captain of each side gets one challenge per half.
It’s a system that has its supporters at NRL level, with former Broncos skipper Justin Hodges encouraging the NRL to bring it in at the start of last year.
“It works well in the NFL with the coach’s challenge and I have seen it work in the 20s in our game with the captain’s challenge,” Hodges said.
“I like it. It can only help the referees and us.
“Especially in semi-finals and grand finals when you are talking about decisions that can either win or lose you the game.
“It helps the referees. The challenge system gives them more time to get it right.”
While captain’s challenges would seem most useful in resolving decisions regarding tries, the challenges have also been used to review 50-50 calls, such as strips.
The controversial call to introduce captain’s challenge for the high stakes finals series, at the end of a season where it hasn’t previously been used, was made at today’s club CEOs conference, held at NRL House.
The decision to introduce the system will be confirmed at a press conference to be held this afternoon.