Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett has intensified his criticism of the NRL Bunker, arguing rugby league relies too heavily on a video review system that still produces incorrect decisions. Bennett renewed his attack after the NRL reportedly apologised to the Rabbitohs over officiating errors from their recent loss to Manly, but the veteran coach insists the admission has done little to change his views on the system.
The seven time premiership winning coach initially expressed frustration following South Sydney’s defeat to the Sea Eagles, believing an incorrect play the ball was missed in the lead up to a crucial try. Speaking again on Wednesday, Bennett said the incident reinforced long held concerns about the effectiveness of the Bunker.
His comments have reignited debate over the role of video technology in rugby league and whether the system enhances or detracts from the sport.
Bennett Says Apology Does Not Change His View
Bennett revealed that NRL officials had contacted South Sydney after the match and acknowledged mistakes were made.
While he welcomed the admission, he made it clear that the apology did not alter his broader concerns.
The veteran coach questioned why a system designed to eliminate errors continues to produce controversial outcomes despite access to multiple camera angles, replays and extended review time.
Bennett argued that officials using video technology have significantly more information available than on field referees, making mistakes harder to justify.
His latest comments are consistent with views he has expressed for several years regarding the increasing influence of technology in decision making.
Comparison With Other Sports
A key part of Bennett’s argument is that rugby league uses video review systems more extensively than most major sports.
He pointed to football, basketball, gridiron and other global competitions as examples where technology is used more selectively.
According to Bennett, the limited use of reviews in other sports allows matches to maintain momentum while reducing prolonged interruptions.
He questioned why other sporting codes have not embraced a model similar to the NRL’s Bunker if it is considered such a successful innovation.
The South Sydney coach suggested that other sports have deliberately avoided overreliance on technology because of the impact it can have on the flow of competition.
Debate Around Technology Continues
Video review systems remain one of the most divisive issues across professional sport.
Cricket uses the Decision Review System, football employs VAR, rugby union has the Television Match Official and the AFL relies on its Arc review process.
Each system has faced criticism at various times over delays, interpretation of rules and inconsistent outcomes.
Supporters argue that technology improves accuracy and helps officials correct clear mistakes.
Critics, however, believe lengthy reviews disrupt the spectacle and often fail to eliminate controversy.
Bennett falls firmly into the latter camp, maintaining that rugby league was better served when decisions were made in real time and accepted as part of the game.
Fans Left Waiting for Decisions
One of Bennett’s strongest criticisms centres on the time taken for reviews to be completed.
He argued that supporters are often left watching replays for several minutes while officials examine incidents from multiple angles.
According to Bennett, this process encourages fans to form strong opinions before a ruling is delivered, increasing frustration when the final decision remains controversial.
He believes the delays damage the entertainment value of matches and place unnecessary focus on officiating rather than the football itself.
The experienced coach suggested that even after lengthy reviews, incorrect decisions still occur, undermining confidence in the system.
Longstanding Voice in the Debate
As the most experienced coach in NRL history, Bennett’s opinions continue to carry significant weight within the game.
Across an uninterrupted coaching career spanning four decades and nearly 1,000 first grade matches, he has witnessed major changes in officiating and technology.
His latest comments are unlikely to end the debate surrounding the Bunker, particularly as clubs, players and supporters continue to question contentious decisions throughout the season.
For Bennett, however, the issue appears settled.
Despite the NRL acknowledging recent mistakes, he remains convinced that rugby league’s heavy reliance on video reviews is not improving the sport and may, in fact, be making it worse.