NRL to Amend Rules After Controversial Golden Point Finish

The National Rugby League (NRL) has confirmed that referee Liam Kennedy correctly awarded the Parramatta Eels a penalty goal following a successful field goal during golden-point extra time against the North Queensland Cowboys on Friday night.

The decision resulted in Parramatta winning 33-30, marking both the first time a team has won by three points in golden point and the first 33-30 scoreline in 118 years of Australian professional rugby league.

The NRL has indicated it is likely to amend the rules to prevent a similar scenario in the future.

Sequence of Events

• During golden-point extra time, Parramatta Eels halfback Mitch Moses kicked a field goal, putting the Eels ahead 31-30.
• North Queensland Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater was penalized for making contact with Moses' kicking leg during the attempt.
• Referee Liam Kennedy awarded a penalty goal to Parramatta.
• Parramatta converted the penalty, extending their lead to three points.
• The game concluded with a final score of Parramatta Eels 33, North Queensland Cowboys 30.

Rules Clarification

The NRL head of football, Graham Annesley, stated that the penalty was correctly awarded under the existing rules. The key points of the rules as applied are:

• NRL rules state a golden-point game ends when a tie is broken, but also allow a penalty shot for foul play on a kicker.
• There is no explicit rule covering both events (successful field goal and foul play) occurring simultaneously.
• If a player is fouled in the act of scoring a try during golden point, a penalty shot is awarded in front of the posts.
• If a player is fouled while attempting a field goal, a penalty is always awarded in front of the posts.
• If the field goal attempt is missed during a foul, the attacking team can choose a shot at goal, kick for touch, or take a tap.
• If the field goal attempt is successful during a foul, the attacking team only has the option to take a penalty shot at goal; the ball is dead after the kick.
• Annesley noted that if the penalty kick had been missed, the game would have ended immediately, as the ball would be dead after the attempt.

Statements from Officials and Commentators

Graham Annesley (NRL head of football): "The penalty after the field-goal was the correct decision. The fouled team is entitled to the additional penalty given there had been an act of foul play."

Billy Slater (commentator): "It's golden-point. I thought once a point is scored the game is over."

Phil Gould (commentator): "It should be over. The game should end with the penalty. We don't need this."

Annesley stated that if the kick had missed or hit the upright, the game would have ended. The NRL is expected to amend the rules to clarify that foul play on a successful field goal in golden point should not allow additional penalty shots, and the game should end when the tie is broken.

Charging Outcome

Scott Drinkwater was charged by the NRL match review committee over the contact but avoided a suspension; he can accept a $1,000 fine.