Phil Gould Allegations: Teams ‘Cheating’ the HIA System as He Claims NRL Struggles to Regulate Rule Discrepancies

Phil Gould has launched a scathing attack on the NRL, asserting that the governing body has lost grip on how matches are officiated. This situation, he argues, has enabled teams to exploit penalties, six-again calls, and manipulate the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) system.

The issues surrounding the disruptor rule, six-again decisions, and head-high tackles have generated significant debate this season, with growing frustration about officiating standards.

During the previous round, the NRL conceded that the Bunker made two critical errors in its decision-making regarding the disruptor rule.

Since the start of the season, there has been ongoing debate about ruck infringement calls, particularly surrounding the lack of clarity when officials make six-again announcements.

On Nine’s 100% Footy, Gould, who heads Canterbury’s football department, remarked that referees believe they’re performing satisfactorily simply because “no one holds them accountable”.

“Nobody is properly guiding them on what we’re trying to achieve,” he explained.

“They are not players; they are officials and referees, and that creates challenges.”

“For the past thirty years, we’ve given referees too much freedom and handed too much influence over the rules to coaches. If we oust both from that equation, we can resolve the problems we face.”

Gould referred to the disruptor rule, dubbing it the “dementor rule,” claiming it has swung “too far.” He voiced his concerns about other regulations, suggesting that teams are employing tactics designed to manipulate rules meant for player safety.

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“Just look at the number of six-again calls—it’s alarmingly excessive,” he remarked.

“It’s influencing the game in numerous ways, with heightened scrutiny around high tackles and similar issues. We’re witnessing teams deliberately seeking out high tackles and trying to earn penalties.

“Teams are also manipulating the HIA system to gain extra replacements for large forwards, even faking HIAs to exit the field.

“They can do so because the game lacks the capacity to manage it effectively now. The NRL is aware it’s happening but has become incapable of controlling it, trapped in this predicament.”

“It requires a firm hand to address these issues, and we are currently lacking that leadership.”