Former NRL referee Gavin Badger has thrown his support behind two referees coming back to the competition for the 2023 season.
The NRL’s two referee system was in place from 2009 until the early stoppage of the season in 2020.
Due to cost-cutting measures the ARLC agreed to see out the rest of the season with just one referee and have continued on with the same system over the last three years.
However, with the introduction of the six-again rule change, NRL coaches and players alike have urged the ARLC to revert back to the old system.
Speaking to SEN, Badger noted his support for the notion and vocalised his issues with the current system.
“It’s something that I’ve spoken about since it was taken away, if you look at how rugby league is officiated,” Badger said on SEN 1170 Mornings.
“How quick the game is and how many decisions the referee’s have to make, it’s very difficult for one person to be up there and be accurate and to be able to be at a high level.
“Although I think the referee’s have done a remarkable job having had a resource taken away from them in the last couple of years, I think the game would be better for having two out there.
“I know that a lot of fans don’t feel the same way, if you break down exactly what the second referee did and how much assistance they gave not only to the other referee but to players in foul play.
“I think it’s a massive positive and a big step forward.”
Badger noted that the referees are working on a full-time basis and would have no issues assimilating back to the old system.
NRL coaches including Craig Bellamy, Ricky Stuart, Des Hasler and Todd Payten have pleaded their case to the ARLC to bring back two referees.