I wouldn't say the two ref system didn't work. I think the problem with the refs is the inconsistency in their objectiveness from week to week, ref to ref. They tried to come down harder on the wrestle last year (or maybe it's the year before now) were doing a good job, but caved into pressure and let the wrestle continue. That was a mistake.
But as far as the two referees on field at once go, they have trained as that for the last year, year and a half? It's not realistic to think they can adjust in three weeks to a one referee system without there being massive teething issues. I'd prefer it to stay with the two refs but have more clearly defined roles.
How is one referee physically able to stand back in the defensive line to mark where the defence should be, look to their left to see that they are onside, look to their right also, and look closely at the ruck to ensure no infringement happens there. It's not possible, it's why they need help, be it touchies or a second ref, or both.
As @Fade.To.Black just said, I agree they have done a poor job with consistency, so reverting back to one won't change the level of referring - which is subpar anyway.
Good post. V’landys decision is about cost cutting BUT he has said its about the wrestle in the ruck. Whatever happens, he has started the agenda for cleaning up the ruck
V’landys said last year that he wants to change it back to one ref. ‘Cost cutting’ is a convenient excuse to push what he wants - without even consulting any coaches or the refs.
Best way to cut costs is to scrap the ridiculous bunker, it doesn’t change how much the video ref gets it right or wrong. Just a big fancy room that burns money
Disagree with your whole premise which is there should be constant consultation. There has been way too much consultation over the years which has led to the tail wagging the dog. Make decisions, get on with it and let the outspoken groups (with agendas) realise the NRL is in charge. Mate, at least he has the balls to have a direction.
You can’t just change rules without asking coaches, refs or anyone involved in the NRL. If you give him the power to do that it could ruin the NRL with V’landys just doing whatever he wants to do.
There’s a difference between having balls and being arrogant. He’s openly defied coaches and players who don’t agree with him Essentially telling them to ‘get over it’. That’s not a good leader in my eyes. Happy for him to have directions but he can’t do what he pleases whenever he pleases.
Trouble with asking the refs and coaches is you’ll get 16 different answers. A good leader will lead. They will have a circle of people that they rely on and who will give them advice. A good leader will be able to determine which advice to take into consideration. The NRL is not a democracy and every person Involved should not get a vote. That’s not how a good business works.
Yep. And having blokes like Wayne Bennett and Trent Robinson sitting on whatever committee they are on won't work either. I have a hard time believing they wouldn't only be interested in pushing for whatever change would benefit their club not necessarily the betterment of the game as a whole.
Happy for V'Landys to rule with an iron fist and not bow and scrape to influential people around the NRL. Stick it up 'em Pete!