Phil Gould has strongly criticized the NRL for what he perceives as a lack of control over game officiating, suggesting that this has created opportunities for teams to exploit the rules, potentially allowing for "cheating" through penalties, six-again calls, and misuse of the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols.
This season, controversy has arisen over the application of the disruptor rule and the six-again calls, which have sparked widespread frustration regarding how matches are officiated. In one recent round, the NRL admitted to the Bunker making significant errors in key decisions, further fuelling discontent among players and fans.
Gould, who is the football department head for the Canterbury Bulldogs, expressed his views on the show 100% Footy, highlighting that referees may believe they are performing adequately because there is little oversight of their decisions. He pointed out a lack of proper education on the intended flow and rules of the game for officials, stating, "They’re not footballers, they’re officials." He argued that the game has long given referees excessive authority, which has contributed to current issues, advocating for a shift in control away from both referees and coaches.
He referred to the disruptor rule, which he controversially dubbed the "dementor rule," as having gone too far, claiming that it plays a role in the tactical misuse of safety regulations designed to protect players. Gould articulated his concerns about the proliferation of six-again calls and how they, along with the scrutiny of high tackles, impact game dynamics. He accused teams of manipulating rule interpretations to gain advantages, notably by enticing players into committing high tackles to secure penalties or by faking head injuries to obtain player replacements.
According to Gould, the NRL is aware of these issues but is incapable of enforcing the rules effectively. He emphasised the need for decisive leadership to rectify the current situation, lamenting that strong governance is currently lacking in the league.
As these criticisms resonate within the rugby league community, the conversation around officiating consistency and the integrity of the game continues, raising questions about necessary reforms to ensure fair play and uphold the spirit of rugby league.