Bennett wants golden point scrapped; so does son-in-law

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett has called for the reintroduction of grand final replays to replace the golden point period.

His comments came after the Broncos went down harrowingly to North Queensland in extra time at the NRL grand final despite leading for almost the entire second half.

The seven-time premiershipwinning coach has long been an adversary of sudden-death overtime since it was ushered in for the 2003 season following a drawn State of Origin series in 2002.

Bennett reiterated his stance against golden point, claiming the result is a lottery.

“It’s just unfair on everybody. I would’ve been happy to come back next week and play again,” Bennett said post-game. “I still don’t see what’s wrong with a draw. The season doesn’t have to change anything. For 100 years we didn’t have golden point and we still had a great game.”

Not since Manly and Cronulla were brought back for a rematch in 1978 has league enforced a replay.

St George and Parramatta were also recalled for a second grand final the following year.

Bennett denied being bitter about the extra period, but said a different method was needed to decide the result given the grand occasion.

“You’re talking about a grand final here. You’re talking about everything on the line,” he said.

“It’s not the way that, personally, I want it decided, as a coach or as a player.”

Victorious Cowboys coach Paul Green opted not to weigh into the debate. “It’s not worth talking about. We won the comp,” he said.

Former Cowboys board member and respected league commentator Ben Ikin weighed into the debate, telling SEN radio it was time for the NRL to abolish golden point in finals matches.

“I don’t mind the golden point through the season, but come finals time go the full extra time,” he said. “I don’t think teams need to lose in extra time off the first field goal kick.

“I’d much prefer it to go five minutes each way.”

Despite Bennett’s comments postmatch, Ikin, who is married to the master coach’s daughter, said the Broncos mentor held no grudges.

“I was in the sheds after the game . . . and I said to him, ‘No losers tonight, coach.’ And he said, ‘You’re exactly right, I don’t feel like a loser.’ ”