LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Rugby League legend Brad Fittler has delivered a scathing assessment of the NRL's officiating, labeling it a 'choke', while fellow great Andrew Johns is calling for immediate change.
The concerns over the state of officiating are reaching fever pitch as the NRL finals loom large on the horizon.
In the realm of the good, Shaun Johnson's breathtaking finish to his NRL career has been the shining light in an otherwise tumultuous Round 26.
The New Zealand star's magic on the field left fans in awe and added a touch of brilliance to an otherwise tumultuous season.
On the flip side, the bad has reared its head in the form of the NRL's sudden crackdown on certain aspects of the game just weeks before finals.
This untimely move has left players and coaches alike scratching their heads and has added an element of chaos to an already intense competition.
And finally, the ugly truth rears its head with Shane Flanagan and the Dragons suffering a devastating 'choke' in their latest match.
The pressure of the finals race is taking its toll and emotions are running high as teams vie for a coveted spot in the final series.
With legends like Sir Graham Lowe weighing in on the state of the game, it's clear that changes need to be made to ensure the integrity and competitiveness of Rugby League remains intact.
As the season hurtles towards its climax, only time will tell if these necessary adjustments will be made in time for the playoffs.