The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and the match officials today reached an agreement to resolve its dispute ahead of the resumption of the 2020 NRL competition on May 28.
The breakthrough followed a meeting between Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys AM and the fulltime referees. It was agreed:
- One referee will officiate NRL Competition Matches for the remainder of the 2020 season;
- A minimum of 22 full-time referee positions will be retained in 2020 and 2021;
- A review of the new system will be conducted when the season ends by a working group consisting of representation from players, coaches, referees and NRL management;
- Its recommendations will be presented to the ARLC Commission for their consideration in determining the future officiating model for the NRL Competition.
The referees and match officials then voted to withdraw their claim before the Fair Work Commission and instructed the PRLMO to do so. ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM welcomed the resolution and said the outcome was in the best interests of the game.
“This is an excellent outcome for the game and all its stakeholders. Can I thank the individual referees for the way they conducted themselves during today’s discussion,’’ he said.
“It was heart-warming to see their desire that nothing stands in the way of the 28th May commencement of our great game and they want to be an integral part of its success.”
“The new rule changes will make our game faster and more entertaining. Most importantly it will address the biggest on-field issues which are speed around the ruck, and the eradication of the wrestle.”
