Go back to one ref Former top whistle blower urges NRL to change its ways

IT is time for the NRL to go back to one referee, and the upcoming World Cup will show fans why.

That is the view of former top whistle blower Greg McCallum who has challenged NRL referees boss Tony Archer over what is sure to emerge as one of the biggest talking points during the tournament.

After a season of growing frustration in the NRL, the World Cup will now showcase the one- ref system that is still used in the English Super League.

While Archer will be the head of officiating at the World Cup, he maintains the two- ref system remains best.

“For the NRL competition played over 201 games a season, I know the difference,” Archer said.

“The two referees nitely the best model.”

Archer said having two refs allowed for more accuracy and a faster speed of the game. But is defi- the concern from many is that it also leads to more confusion, and less consistency.

The NRL introduced the two- ref system in 2009 to tackle the growing use of il- legal wrestling tactics. But as time has gone on even previous supporters of the two- ref system, such as Bill Harrigan, have now changed their views.

“I spent Saturday with Bill at our luncheon and we spoke at length about it,” McCallum said.

“He is emphatic that the one- referee system is the better way. I think the World Cup is a great opportunity for people who really care to make a good judgment on it.

“If the referees can do it, well, it could be a good bit of evidence to reconsider it.

“A lot of people who have been watching the English Super League have been commenting about how good the one referee has been.

“It is about clarity of decision making. I think it suits the players better because the players look to one person to be getting the guidance.

“Having said that, you have to get away from the mentality of the main referee always being on the 10m.”