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NRL referees boss says video ref was right
4 August 2003
NRL referees boss Robert Finch has today examined several rulings by the video referee during yesterday's game at WIN Stadium between St George Illawarra and the Penrith Panthers and would like to make the following points clear:
The Nathan Blacklock try (14th minute) and the Luke Priddis try (20th minute) had very different characteristics, and therefore came under differing rule interpretations. Both rulings were correct.
In the case of Blacklock, the momentum of the tackle was completed well into the in-goal area, therefore the try was legitimate.
In the other incident, Priddis was tackled short of the line and he promoted the ball from the original position where it first touched the ground. The indicators that were issued to all Clubs and media at the start of the season state: "The attacking player must not promote the football from the position the ball (or the arm carrying the ball) has been grounded, in the process of scoring a try". Momentum only applies if the player would clearly have scored regardless of promoting the football. This was not the case in this instance.
Finch has obtained a new camera angle that did not go to air from the far side corner camera which clearly shows Blacklock did not knock the ball forward. Therefore, the try scored by David Howell in the 23rd minute was also legitimate.
Robert Finch is aware that all of these decisions have generated much controversy.
"I've been prepared to drop officials and admit when they are wrong" he said.
"While it has taken a long time to get all of the angles on these incidents I have now been able to properly assess them.
"I urge anyone in the media who wants to pass judgement on these decisions to at least take the time to go through them with me.
"I fully support the performance of the video referee on Sunday".
4 August 2003
NRL referees boss Robert Finch has today examined several rulings by the video referee during yesterday's game at WIN Stadium between St George Illawarra and the Penrith Panthers and would like to make the following points clear:
The Nathan Blacklock try (14th minute) and the Luke Priddis try (20th minute) had very different characteristics, and therefore came under differing rule interpretations. Both rulings were correct.
In the case of Blacklock, the momentum of the tackle was completed well into the in-goal area, therefore the try was legitimate.
In the other incident, Priddis was tackled short of the line and he promoted the ball from the original position where it first touched the ground. The indicators that were issued to all Clubs and media at the start of the season state: "The attacking player must not promote the football from the position the ball (or the arm carrying the ball) has been grounded, in the process of scoring a try". Momentum only applies if the player would clearly have scored regardless of promoting the football. This was not the case in this instance.
Finch has obtained a new camera angle that did not go to air from the far side corner camera which clearly shows Blacklock did not knock the ball forward. Therefore, the try scored by David Howell in the 23rd minute was also legitimate.
Robert Finch is aware that all of these decisions have generated much controversy.
"I've been prepared to drop officials and admit when they are wrong" he said.
"While it has taken a long time to get all of the angles on these incidents I have now been able to properly assess them.
"I urge anyone in the media who wants to pass judgement on these decisions to at least take the time to go through them with me.
"I fully support the performance of the video referee on Sunday".
