Rohan Smith calls for change to “limit the risk of a howler that might cost a team”

Leeds Rhinos coach Rohan Smith has had his say on officials frequently but he is never one to be overly critical of individual officials but rather the systems and approaches.

However, the Rhinos could be a key member of a move forward to helping the officials.

There has been talk that moving forward there could be video referees at every game and with a video referee at Headingley on Sunday due to OurLeague’s coverage of the game.

Smith himself said that this would be great for a professional sport limiting any risk “of the howler.”

He said: “I think any competition that’s professional needs to have at least some level of replay facility for key moments to at least minimise the risk of the howler that might cost a team.

“I think that’s a positive step.”

On recent criticisms of officials, Smith said:

“I’m not aware of criticism other than some of the decisions that I’ve seen in the video ref this year. You know, sometimes it’s difficult to see if there’s been enough evidence to overturn.”

The match, which is part of a triple header for the Rhinos’ annual Family Day at Headingley kicks off at 3pm – with Our League’s 5-camera coverage starting at 2.30pm, and available to order for an Earlybird price of £6.95, increasing to £10 on the day of the match.

It will be the 4th Betfred Super League fixture shown live on Our League pay per view this season, and a debut for both the Rhinos and the Wolves.

It means three Round 22 matches will be shown on consecutive days this weekend, following Sky Sports’ coverage of Wakefield Trinity versus Castleford Tigers on Friday night (8pm kick-off), and Leigh Leopards versus Catalans Dragons on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

And there will now be a double header featuring Leeds teams on Sunday afternoon, with Our League’s coverage of the Super League fixture following live streaming of the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final between the Rhinos and Catalans Dragons on BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app.

Tickets for the Leeds Family Day, including the Rhinos versus Wolves clash at 3pm, are still available from both clubs, with junior tickets for only £5 – Family Day: What’s on Guide (therhinos.co.uk)

But if you can’t be there, click here for details of the Our League coverage – https://www.rugby-league.com/ourleague

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