It’s only been in Super League since the start of the 2019 season, but Golden Point has never been fully accepted.
Criticism of this specific rule change came to the fore once more in Catalans Dragons’ 29-28 victory over Hull KR on Saturday night.
The Robins had dragged themselves back from a 28-4 deficit to level proceedings at 28-apiece. In that respect, a draw was more than fair for both sides.
However, thanks to the inclusion of yet another NRL imported regulation, the fixture went into Golden Point extra-time.
Hull KR captain Shaun Kenny-Dowall chose to receive the kick-off which may have been the wrong choice when considering that Rovers made just 30 metres in their first set.
Catalans attacked well with substitute fullback Arthur Mourgue making a break and bringing the Dragons to within 20 metres of KR’s tryline, before James Maloney was able to slot the ball between the posts for a one-pointer.
It was a cruel twist of fate for the Robins who had inspired one of the greatest comebacks in the modern game with four unanswered tries.
If Golden Point is here to stay, then one point for each side after the final whistle has blown and then a further bonus point for the winners after extra-time seems both the most logical and the most fair.
Tony Smith’s men were so near yet so far, but they definitely deserved something out of the game. Unfortunately, as it stands, they received absolutely nothing.
