Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has again criticised the golden point system, with the veteran rugby league mentor saying that the concept is for the fans and not the players.
The comments come after the Broncos were defeated 21-20 in golden point by the Cowboys in another classic Queensland derby on Friday night.
North Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston sealed Brisbane's fate in extra-time, kicking the winning field goal that continued his side's unbeaten start to the season.
But Bennett said after the match that he believes the game shouldn't have even got that far, instead suggesting that it should have ended in a draw at the 80 minute mark.
"We certainly matched it with them and that's the tragedy of golden point," Bennett said.
"We deserved a point here tonight. We don't deserve to come away from here with nothing.
"I've been against the concept since day one. I hate seeing someone lose when they've given so much. It's unfair.
"Canberra gave it their all in Townsville and walked away with nothing. I've always been happy with the draw.
"The issue is that golden point is designed more for the fans rather than the team. Both teams deserve the accolades when they have put in for a well-earned draw."
Bennett made similar comments 12 months ago when the scoreline was the same but the result was different, with Brisbane instead winning in a golden point thriller courtesy of an Anthony Milford field goal in the 85th minute.
His views on the subject haven't changed, and he has received the unlikely support of Cowboys captain Thurston.
Thurston pitched his own extra-time revolution to the media after the match, with the aim to make the game fairer.
"Well if there is a draw after 80 minutes I'd like to see both teams receive a point, and then after that if you go to golden point I think the winner of that should receive an extra point," Thurston said.
"I don’t think it's fair that a team can lose in extra-time and get nothing.
"A team that gets flogged by 40 gets nothing so it isn't fair for those two results to be deemed equal."
Brisbane halfback Ben Hunt had contrasting views, saying that although he hates losing, a draw is just as bad if not worse.
"I think it is good to get a result," Hunt said.
"You feel pretty flat when you are on the end of a draw.
"I'm not sure if extra-time or golden point is the way to go, but I do think one team deserves to leave the match with two points."
