Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Harrigan gives NRL officials lesson in obstruction rule

Updated at 6:11 am on 21 August 2012

Referees coach Bill Harrigan has given National Rugby League match officials a crash course in the workings of the obstruction rule after admitting to a number of crucial refereeing blunders on the weekend.

The move comes after Sean Hampstead's highly controversial decision to award the Canterbury Bulldogs a late try against the Wests Tigers, which Harrigan says was wrong because of illegal use of a decoy runner.

In an official video posted on the NRL website Harrigan attempted to clarify to fans, players and coaches alike how the obstruction rule will be policed in the final two rounds of the premiership and during the finals series.

Harrigan says he called an emergency meeting of his entire refereeing squad in an attempt to ensure refereeing controversy does not overshadow the NRL's key end of season games.

Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand