NRL: Clarity leaves no excuse for video refs

Video refs will be equipped with high definition televisions for the NRL finals. Photo / Getty Images

With the benefit of hindsight, all National Rugby League (NRL) video referees will be equipped with high definition televisions for the finals series in a bid to avoid a repeat of Bill Harrigan's recent blunder.

Harrigan was dumped from the role for a round after incorrectly awarding Mark Gasnier a try during St George Illawarra's 32-10 defeat of Manly on August 16.

Replays clearly indicated the former Kangaroos centre had lost control of the ball.

The NRL's most experienced match officials and the controller of a record 10 grand finals, Harrigan admitted his error and asked to be stood down after watching a replay of the incident when he got home.

He was reinstated yesterday and will adjudicate contentious incidents referred to him by the on-field referees when Cronulla host the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Harrigan blamed a poor quality TV picture for failing to detect Gasnier dropped the ball.

NRL referees boss Robert Finch disagreed, saying Harrigan simply made the wrong call but HD screens would be used in the play-offs to eliminate any uncertainty.

Finch defended Harrigan's recall and revealed the veteran remained in contention to officiate in the finals, including the premiership decider on October 3.

"He put his hand up and it's always the best thing for people to admit they've made a mistake, learn from it and move on from it," he said.

- NZPA