Super League set for seismic change to video referee approach

A number of games have highlighted a talking point around the video referee recently causing Barrie McDermott to suggest Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Hull FC, Warrington Wolves, St Helens and the clubs who have more TV games have an advantage.

Why? Because they have the video referee more often minimising the chance of an incorrect decision at a crucial moment in the match.

We have seen examples of how officials are only human throughout the season in non televised games.

Richard Silverwood said recently that “it’s beyond a joke” but things could be about to change for the sport.

The TV deal with Sky Sports, Channel 4 and Viaplay’s deals are set to expire which could open the door for the game to introduce a VAR style bunker so that every game can have a video referee according to The Game Caller.

It has prompted discussion from former officials Richard Silverwood and Ian Smith.

Smith said: “Centralised bunker, wow that would be awesome, who is paying for that? the NRL, NFL and PGMOL bunkers cost an absolute fortune so our version will be great to see and hear about.”

Silverwood stated:

“Great news. Should have happened years ago, but still great news.”

Great news. Should have happened years ago, but still great news. https://t.co/ZUQqBXvJ6W

— Richard Silverwood (@SilversRef) July 20, 2023

Turning back to the TV deal itself, it has been a major talking point for months now and was addressed earlier this year by RL Commercial’s Rhodri Jones.

“Next two to three weeks I would say and then after that we can then develop the calendar four to six weeks hopefully,” he said on BBC Five Live.

“We’ve got multiple broadcasters interested.”

Asked if there will be an increase in broadcast revenue, Jones said: “We’ll have to see where we land.”

“I think on the Broadcast deal, we’ve been so reliant on one number coming from one broadcaster.

“We’re one of very few sports competitions that don’t stream every game.

“I think the mix of the broadcast platform for us going forward is going to look different. So maybe less emphasis on that one number that we get from the main broadcaster and maybe the culmination of the total means that we come out in a better position.”

In a huge surprise twist however, reports from the Daily Mail today have claimed that officials at the RFL are disappointed with the offer from Sky, a £25 million per year contract and TNT Sport have emerged as a potential contender.

Previously known as BT Sport, the newly named TNT Sports are the home of the Champions League in football as well as having rights to Premier League football.

According to the Daily Mail, TNT are now “a big threat” to Sky’s coverage of the sport.

Serious About Rugby League confirmed that the RFL has received more than one bid for the rights to the sport in 2024.

A decision of which bid to accept is set to be made this week.