KEY POINTS:
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary expects the standard of refereeing to improve in this year's National Rugby League competition.
Clearly has attended a coaches-referees conference in Sydney where the new dual-referee system has been high on the agenda. He says, in theory, the initiative should eliminate more refereeing errors and with two sets of eyes, better decisions should be made.
Cleary says while he has had his concerns about the changes, it appears only Manly coach Des Hasler is opposed to the idea.
The NRL has given an assurance its referees will be well trained on the new dual-referee system by the start of the season. The NRL has been working on the technical aspects of the system with the referees since mid-November.
Referees boss Robert Finch says progress has been pleasing, training has been going well and they are confident they are getting on top of the system. He says the new initiative is important as it will take a lot of physical pressure away from referees.
However, Finch says there is one particular aspect which continues to be a challenge. He says their angles and depth on the field will depend on the structure of the team that is playing.
Finch says the majority of coaches understand the modern game has put pressure on referees and there needs to be a change.
- NEWSTALK ZB
