Back when I was in Maryland, I would watch both Rugby League and Rugby Union. After moving to New Zealand and watching more of both I noticed that the officials in Rugby League were terrible. Not only were they inconsistent in making calls, but even when they did make calls they were usually incorrect.
Not only this but if a call was reviewed by the TMO (television match official) the on-field official wouldn't make a call leaving it up to the TMO. This would be fine if not for the fact that "benefit-of-doubt" always went to the attacking team. So if the TMO wasn't sure what happened the attacking team would automatically get the call. I hated this.
These things led me to watch more Rugby Union, where the refs were more consistent.
In the past two years however Rugby Union officials have got much worse, often completely ignoring rules such as forward pass, hands-in-the-ruck, players leaving feet, incorrect entry, high tackles, and knock ons. Officials will also now go to the TMO and either make the call themselves without waiting for the TMOs decision, or in some cases, overrule the TMO and go with their own decision.
Rugby League meanwhile has rid itself of the "benefit-of-doubt" rule, requiring on-field officials to make a call which can then be confirmed, overruled, or upheld for lack of evidence. Officials now rule on knock-ons, forward passes, and illegal tackles much more often than in the past.
Considering I don't support any specific team in either form, I find i easy to flip from one to the other based on which i enjoy most at the moment, and the only I enjoy most will be the one with the most consistent officiating.
Of course Aussie Rules (AFL) is better than either.
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