Captain's Challenge frustration reaches tipping point with Daryl Powell 'get rid' plea

In the 18 months since its introduction, the system that allows teams to contest referee decisions until they lodge an unsuccessful challenge has become a drain on the spectacle.

The groans and slumped shoulders tell the story of a concept that has tried and failed to tidy up the game; instead, it has slowed matches down and sapped energy from the occasion.

Simply put, the sport is trying to re-referee games without the technology to make it work.

Spectators are left with interminable delays and the doom loop of a tune that lingers long after the final hooter.

That sense of frustration could be felt at Belle Vue, where Saturday's absorbing clash between Wakefield Trinity and Hull KR was repeatedly interrupted by stoppages that felt increasingly unnecessary.

There were questionable on-field calls but they are more palatable than the long, drawn-out pauses as the video referee revisits decisions that have already been made.

"I asked what time it was when we got into the changing room and it was quarter to seven," said Wakefield boss Powell following his side's dramatic late win. "We kicked off at half past four. It's mental.

"You've got fans slow-hand clapping now. That is not what we want. For the good of the game, we have to do something.

"I'd get rid of it now, if I’m honest. I think it’s that important for the game. Every coach is talking about this.

"Something needs to change. It's crazy. The beauty of our game is the flow, the energy and intensity of it. Hull KR went for a Captain's Challenge on an obvious high tackle just to give themselves a breather.

"You've got to change it and change it quickly for the beauty of the sport. It's a beautiful sport and what we're doing at the moment is taking away from that."

For some, the answer may not be to scrap the concept entirely but to refine its application with a strict time limit on decision-making. But if video referees feel rushed, the likelihood of reaching the correct decision only decreases – meaning the whole exercise starts to defeat its own purpose.

The concern, ultimately, is the impact on flow. In a sport defined by pace and momentum, repeated stoppages risk undermining what makes rugby league compelling in the first place.

As far as Super League's most experienced coach is concerned, there is no middle ground.

Asked whether the idea of the Captain's Challenge was sound but its implementation needed altering, Powell said: "No, get rid of it. It's a waste of time. It's not a waste of time but it is a waste of time.

"If you add up the time taken from Captain's Challenges in this game, what would it be? Maybe 15 minutes?

"It's not a good look for the sport. Everybody is saying it – get rid of it. If it doesn't happen now, it has to happen for next season."