The NRL clearly needs to address the touch judge's responsibilities.
Instances of forward passes slipping by unnoticed, along with replays revealing players still on the field while the flag is up, highlight the issue.
However, there's a viable solution available.
Currently, the touch judge decides on a play based on an instantaneous judgment, yet there exists a more effective method that has not yet been considered.
In soccer, known as football to many Australians, the assistant referee, also called the linesman, does not hold the authority to make final decisions. Their role is instead to provide insights to the main referee.
Decisions related to offside, handball, or penalties are reviewed during the next stoppage, and the primary referee inspects the situation based on the assistant's information before making a conclusion.
According to the IFAB Laws of the Game, assistant referees can intervene when necessary:
This arrangement allows for a discussion between officials, with the main referee retaining the ultimate authority.
The adoption of such a ruling could encompass all aspects of the NRL.