What is golden point in rugby league?

After Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards incredibly played out Super League's first ever 0-0 draw, leading to a golden point winner for the visitors, we look at what happens when Super League games finish level.

What is golden point?

Similarly to how golden goal was used in football matches, whereby the first goal scored in extra time would win the game, golden point is now used in Super League matches that finish as a tie after 80 minutes.

Extra time is then played, and the first team to score a point wins the game.

Prior to the 2019 Super League season, a point was awarded to both teams who drew a game, but from 2019 onwards, Super League aligned with Australia's NRL, whereby games that were tied after 80 minutes would be decided by golden point.

The first Super League regular season game decided by golden point was on 24th February 2019 when Marc Sneyd's drop goal was enough for Hull FC to beat Wigan Warriors 23-22.

In the RFL Championship and League One, golden point has been used since the 2020 season, however any games that are tied after 80 minutes will see both teams earn a point, with the golden point winner receiving an extra point for the win.

Liam Williams

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