It’s time to stop the on-field ‘guess’ for the video referee

Thursday's Anzac Day game between the Dragons and Roosters more than lived up to the hype. A brilliant performance by the Red V combined with a monster crowd made for an event that befits the occasion.

From the moment Nene Macdonald scored a highlight reel try in the opening set of the game we knew we were in for a memorable afternoon.

All the talk should have been about the Red V and their all-conquering forward pack, halves and back-line, but unfortunately, most of the talk has again been on a ridiculous video refereeing decision.

Of course, we're referring to the incident that saw MacDonald awarded a try despite clearly losing possession of the ball. Although the decision had no impact on a result, it was still an incident that has to be avoided moving forward.

The issue in the decision-making process isn't so much that the video referee awarded a try, but that his hands were tied by a ridiculous rule currently plaguing our game; the insufficient evidence rule.

The explanation at the time was that seeing as though the decision was referred to the bunker as a 'try' there was not enough evidence to say for certain that MacDonald absolutely lost control of the ball.

This despite the fact that every man, woman, child and household pet could see that MacDonald clearly lost control of the ball before planting it down in the corner.

The decision has since been revealed to have been incorrect by referee's boss Bernard Sutton but in a competition this close, a six-point turn around could be a factor come finals time.

Jared Maxwell probably felt as though he applied the letter of the law when handing down his decision. There was an angle or two that suggested there may have been a slight chance MacDonald didn't completely lose control.

There were multiple angles that clearly showed he lost the ball, but given those opposing angles, what was Maxwell to do?

The issue here is the ridiculous rule that forces the referee into a guess that holds way too much weight in the final decision-making process.

The play happened so quickly you cannot blame the referee or touch judge for not picking up the lost ball. Fair call, in fast it looked like a try. From the referee's vantage point it looked good. No harm was done.

The issue I have here is the fact that a guess carries any weight what-so-ever. Ok, if the video referee absolutely cannot make a decision, stick with the original decision, but in this instance the 'insufficient evidence' line was farcical.

For the record, I disliked the 'benefit of the doubt to the attacking' team rule also. I think they had it best when they introduced the referee's call. Ultimately the on-field decision would stand but only if it was literally impossible to make a decision either way.

I don't think even the biggest fan of the Dragons thought that was a try after watching the replays. Literally, no one in the stadium, or on social media thought it was a try.

Yet because a referee and sideline official who were largely un-sighted said it may be a try, the decision stood.

Surely officials can see the giant problem in the process here?

Imagine a grand final or Origin decider coming down to a final minute guess.

I loathe the negativity in the media and promise to publish two positive pieces next week, but this is a decision-making process that needs a simple yet extremely important overhaul.

Storm Warning

I can't be the only person looking ahead to seeing when my club's next fixture against the Storm is. The Premiers are looking ominous after belting the high flying Warriors off the park in Thursday's late game.

Ryley Jacks has emerged as a potential season saviour after inspiring a remarkable turn around in his side's fortunes.

Josh Addo-Carr's name is now well and truly in Origin discussion. His lightning speed and footwork is a game-breaking trait that puts the purple Melbourners ahead of most of the chasing pack.

As soon as three weeks ago it looked as though the Storm were firmly walking down struggle street but they're now on a one-way track back to the finals.

Defending your title in the modern game is very difficult, let alone the fact the Storm are sans Cooper Cronk and Tohu Harris, but if anyone can do it, it's the Craig Bellamy mentored side.