Two Refs for Game

[Ramit54]

For the first time two refs are set to officiate a NRL game.
The NRL are hoping to use the Cowboys and Raiders clash to trial a ref interchange system where refs Stevs Clark and Shayne Hayne would share control.
Raiders coach Matthew Elliott has given the green light for the trial at Dairy Farmers Stadium to go ahead but the Cowboys are yet to give their approval.
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[roostergirl]

Are they going to interchange the 2 refs or will it be simultaneously?

 

[Ramit54]

The Referees will switch control six times throughout the match. This is one of two the NRL hopes to trial before the end of the season. The second involves using two referees simultaneously.
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[Willow]

Oh great... 2 egos to deal with. Isn't it bad enough having just one of them out there?

They tried to use 2 refs in a pre season match in the mid nineties.
One ref would police the ruck area while the other ref would keep the defending team back 10 metres. I seem to recall that the idea was dropped because of communication problems between the refs. I guess that can be overcome now that they're all wired up.
The other idea about having refs interchange concerns me. Steven Clark and Shayne Hayne have completely styles of refereeing and the players will be expected to adjust to the new ref. Could be messy.

Still, give it a trial and we'll all take notes.

 

[Ramit54]

Cowboys coach Murray Hurst has agreed to trial two refs on Saturday against the Raiders. He said he could see no problems with the different interpretations of the rules by both refs, They should be able to keep up with the play and that it was a good idea to blood new refs and bring back refs who have been injuredlike clark.
I tend to agree with you willow in that it will get a bit messy. Like Hurst said there is nothing to loose as both sides will not be in the semis. Lets see how it goes.
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[Ramit54]

With the game on the weekend referee Steve Clark will control the first and third periods of each half, while Shayne Hayne will officiate for about half an hour, made up of a 15 minute burst in each period.
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[bender]

If the interchange idea works out, is there any truth to the rumour that the Grasshopper will be comming out of retirement to ref the first 10 of each half in the State of Origin. This could help extend the great man's career because although his fitness is not up to a full 80 min game, I believe he still has the ability to blow the compulsory first penalty against the blues just to quieten them down and stop the whinging.

 

[Ramit54]

Sounds like a great idea bender.
NSW will love it if the great one made a comeback

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