The NRL has abandoned plans to introduce controversial forward pass technology which would involve microchips being implanted in footballs, but will assess whether the bunker can rule on controversial decisions afterHaving spent years investigating external help to solve one of the game’s most vexing issues, the NRL has stopped exploring the prospect of using microchips and satellite assistance to rule on forward passes.
Walsh blatantly threw a pass forward to Brisbane winger Selwyn Cobbo during the second half of the Broncos’ thumping win over the Warriors on Saturday, helping the hosts extend their lead to 30-12. Part of the reason will be the cost associated with such a rollout, running into the millions of dollars, mostly due to installing the satellite technology at dozens of grounds the NRL uses for its elite men’s and women’s matches.Asked about the prospect of the bunker being given power to rule on forward passes again, NRL head of football Graham Annesley said: “As the chairman has said, this issue will form part of the review conducted at the end of the season across all stakeholders.