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Jon Wilkin raises the big video referee question

Jon Wilkin slams Leeds Rhinos

In the 17th minute of Leeds Rhinos’ clash against Hull FC recently, the Rhinos thought they’d crossed after a delicate Aidan Sezer kicked but Rhyse Martin was judged to have bounced the ball.

It is this moment that on another day could have proved hugely controversial.

No one seemed to complain about the decision at the time but a picture captured from the game seems to show Martin had indeed touched down the ball and scored a try.

Here is the picture:

Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com – 14/04/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League – Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC – Headingley Stadium, Leeds, England – Leeds’ Rhyse Martin and Hull FC’s Davy Litten challenge for the ball.

As you can see, Martin seemingly grounded the ball with his finger tip which is all you need for a try as we saw at the Halliwell Jones Stadium tonight.

On another night it could have been costly for Leeds and shows why a video referee is needed at every game in Super League as if Sky had been at Headingley tonight this try would have been given.

It is not Jack Smith’s fault, he refereed the game brilliantly and is only human. He could be helped by technology if the game pivots to this in the future.

It isn’t the only example from this season. A try scored against Castleford Tigers in France against Catalans Dragons helped determine the game.

Many have suggested that it shows the need to have video referees at every game.

Now Jon Wilkin has brought up the big question around why not on The Bench podcast.

Wilkin said: “How much can it cost? Could they not do it satellite? Could there not just be a guy looking at screens?”

This came as guest Mitchell Pearce said:

“I think they need a video ref for each game. Obviously all the games aren’t televised but I just think there’s some inconsistent calls with the tries.

“There was a game we played against Warrington on TV the other week and I think if it wasn’t on TV we might have won because some of those tries would have got awarded, but you miss some and win some.

“I think consistently though a video ref would come in handy.”

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