The lengthy time it took to award a try for Wigan Warriors against Hull FC has been labelled “an absolute joke” by a former star of the game.
Wigan Warriors reclaimed second spot in Super League with a 36-12 win over the Black and Whites in a game that took two hours to complete, making it the second in as many weeks for Hull FC, who also saw their derby day clash drag on.
The introduction of the Captain’s Challenge has certainly lengthened games but one major issue is how long it is taking for the video referee to rule on decisions and Sunday’s game saw a prime example of that.
Abbas Miski dived in at the corner just after half-time with a host of Hull FC defenders trying to tackle him. On-field referee Jack Smith ruled ‘No Try’ and sent that to be checked by video referee Ben Thaler.
From the moment Smith signified ‘No Try’, it took four minutes and 15 seconds for the official verdict of ‘Try’ to flash up on the big screen with Thaler watching countless replays and angles.
Even Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet labelled it an “ugly” process.
Hull FC v Wigan Warriors video referee process ridiculed
Understandably, that lengthy process has frustrated many spectators with the momentum of the game completely halted due to the near-five minute delay.
On the other hand, you can argue that the correct decision was made which is ultimately what the video referee was introduced for but at what expense?
If fans turn off from games then it’s surely not worth it and if a decision needs over four minutes of analysis to be made then it is not clear and obvious, therefore the on-field referee’s decision should be backed.
One man who has hit out at the process is former St Helens and Hull FC man Leon Pryce, whose son Will plays for the Black and Whites.
Taking to social media in the aftermath of the decision, Pryce said: “Seriously. Over 5 minutes to make a decision. Totally had enough. It’s an absolute joke. Completely spoils the game.”
Seriously. Over 5 minutes to make a decision. Totally had enough. It’s an absolute joke. Completely spoils the game.
— Leon Pryce (@leonpryce6) April 27, 2025
Super League’s official X account shared footage of the try and ensuing video referee decision and that also sparked similar responses to Pryce’s with frustrations aired at the length of decisions.
One said: “Games last 2 hours now with video ref involvement. Twenty five extra minutes every game!”
A second added: “If it takes you that long to look you’re obviously not sure .Should stick with the refs call . It was meant to speed decisions up.”
Another suggested: “30 second time limit needed for video refs, take way too long.”
You can see the decision below.
Is this the tightest video referee decision in #SuperLeague history? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/nG85VmeJK3
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 27, 2025
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Eric T Cat
April 29, 2025 at 6:56 pm
The video ref would still be looking at it several days later to disallow a try if Hull had scored it, but took as long as needed to ensure he could justify giving it to Wigan, in a decision that I suspect shocked even the most devout Wigan fan. I’m a Rovers fan and felt it was ridiculous. The quality of refereeing needs a significant boost.