Cleary kicks against NRL golden-point change
Scott Bailey |
Nathan Cleary has pushed against an overhaul of the NRL’s points system for extra time, with data showing it would have made close to no material impact over the last 10 seasons.
Proponents of a change to the system have argued in recent weeks teams should be rewarded for losing in golden point, claiming it is unfair they walk away with fewer points than those beaten in 80 minutes.
One widely suggested approach would double the reward for a win in ordinary time to four points, with teams who win in extra time to receive three.
A draw would become worth two points and a loss in extra time one point. Defeat in regulation time would remain worth zero points.
But an analysis of results over the past 10 years has shown the change would be close to pointless, and have minimal impact on the end-of-season ladder.
If the proposed new system had been in play, no season in the past decade would have had any change to which eight teams qualified for the finals, or which sides finished in the top four.
The only changes of any note would have centred around home finals in 2018, with Cronulla moving from fourth to first, while South Sydney and Manly would have gone from second to first in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
Cleary has already been involved in two golden-point matches this year, and has emerged as one of the NRL’s most clinical under pressure.
When asked about potential points changes, Cleary pointed to the pain for teams defeated in the 80th minute experiencing the same disappointment as golden-point losers.
“It’s tough losing in golden point, but it’s tough losing any game,” Cleary said.
“You could lose by a field goal in the last minute of regular time. It’s just as tough as losing in golden point.
“We have lost one in golden point this year and we have won one.
“For players sometimes it is hard, because you’re so tired and it’s that extra thing in the game. But it is pretty exciting, and it’s exciting for the fans as well.”
Cleary also pushed against a change from golden point to golden try but said he would be open to a hybrid model.
“I like kicking for golden point,” Cleary said.
“(Golden try) would be another touch to it, but with that golden point would probably go a lot longer.
“Maybe it’s five minutes where it is golden try, and then the next five minutes you can go for a field goal.”
This season is on track to eclipse 2016 for the most golden-point games, with six having been contested over the opening eight rounds.
AAP
