Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens said there was no consistency in the NRL's benefit of the doubt rule after his side was disallowed a crucial try in Monday night's 19-10 loss to the Sydney Roosters.

Sheens was angry winger Beau Ryan was not awarded a four-pointer after video referee Chris Ward viewed the footage at least four times, with the coach saying any more than two looks should mean there is reasonable doubt.

The Tigers were trailing 18-6 when Ryan latched onto Robbie Farah grubber late in the second half of the match with Sheens believing the points would have been crucial as his side staged a late fightback.

"He had enough looks at it, so he wasn't sure, so you know I would have thought it was a benefit of the doubt," Sheens said of Ward's ruling that Ryan had not forced the ball in goal.

"At the end of the day either make your mind up (that) it was a try or not a try.

"Looking at it three or four times only told me that he wasn't sure."

Video referees are being encouraged this year to favour the attacking team and award a try when there is still reasonable doubt after they have reviewed the footage.

But Sheens believes there is too much variation between referees when it comes to the controversial rule.

"Oh hell yeah," Sheens said when asked of any inconsistency between referees.

"It might have been a good one for (former referee and current video referee) Bill Harrigan to have a look at tonight.

"I've got to give Harrigan his due, and I've argued with him over the years, but he'll make his decision within two looks not four.

"If you can't tell within two looks then you're not sure and if you're not sure, what does that tell you."

The Roosters were also disallowed a try in similar circumstances, with halfback Mitchell Pearce denied a try in the first half after Ward viewed had several looks at the footage before ruling Setaimata Sa had knocked on in the lead up.

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