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Alexander calls on NRL to fix refereeing loophole
Charles Goodsir • August 25th, 2025 1:58 pm
SEN’s Greg Alexander has launched a scathing critique of the NRL officials who failed to call for the blatant forward pass for Alex Johnston’s try during South Sydney’s 40-0 demolition of the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Johnston is now only two tries short of equalling Ken Irvine’s long standing record of 212 first-grade tries.
However, Alexander is adamant the try shouldn’t have stood due to the pass from Tallis Duncan going forward out of hand.
Currently, touch judges are not allowed to rule on forward pass decisions. Alexander has called on the NRL to make the change.
“It’s not the touch judges job,” SEN’s Andrew Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
Alexander asked: “They can’t even make a call?”
Voss replied: “No. The touch judge’s job is to monitor the touch line and not the pass.
“You will rarely see a touch judge in line with the final pass. They will be from behind. It’s not their call.
Alexander argued: “But should it be their call?”
“You’ve got to change (the rule) and let me explain.
“You’ve got a line there that can be reviewed. The bunker can’t review a forward pass at the moment so why doesn’t the touch judge get in line and help the referee to make the call?
“Voss, you’ve told me what the job of a touch judge is but that should change.
“They should be able to rule on a forward pass because the bunker isn’t allowed to do it.
“Who cares if the touch judge is not watching the touch line because the bunker can review it.”
