NRL may broadcast judgments

THE NRL will consider broadcasting judiciary cases live to give fans a rare and educated insight into rugby league’s maligned justice system.

News Corp can reveal the possibility of live-streaming hearings will be included in an exhaustive end-of-season review into the NRL’S entire judicial process. If approved, the vision would allow fans to understand the mechanics of what can be legally complicated judiciary cases.

The NRL last night claimed that televising hearings would “improve transparency” and “reduce the level of frustration” among supporters.

The development comes days after a furore erupted over South Sydney’s Sam Burgess having his high shot on Cronulla’s Matt Moylan downgraded.

The decision has freed Burgess to play against Melbourne this Sunday, while Moylan will not play this weekend after suffering concussion when knocked out in the incident.

“We have already said there will be a complete review at the end of the season, as there always is,” an NRL spokesman said. “Everything is on the table, including the possibility of live streaming to improve transparency and understanding of the process.

“If fans were able to hear all the evidence on both sides, it may reduce the level of frustration.”

The NRL filmed a “blind run” of several judiciary hearings last year to gauge interest in live streaming. That process included a camera being placed at the back of the room and all proceedings being recorded, other than private deliberations among the threemember panel after the hearing.

The vision wasn’t aired publicly but sent to the RLPA, which pulled back on the initiative over concerns that barristers inside the judiciary room could “make players look silly” under cross-examination. If the RLPA can now be convinced to alter its stance, the NRL could live stream cases on Nrl.com as early as next season.