So I recorded the Dragons vs Bulldogs match from the weekend and about 5 minutes in realised that there was 2 referees. I didn't understand what that was all about but they didnt seem to miss a lot. Iv not seen any NRL this season so the 2 ref thing threw me a bit. Anybody with any explanations of this new phenomenon?

Successfully trialled and introduced into NRL for this season.

Looks like it's here to stay:
[urlhttp://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/29/nrl-clubs-back-two-referees/[/url

I thought it was an innovation toofar, but I watch all the NRl that Setanta can be arrsed to show, and on balance i think it works well enough to keep it. As the article says, the ruck is policed miles better.

Another interesting point is the comment from Finch that it is a good way to introduce inexperienced referees to the top comp. If that's true, and it may well be, it would get around the common objection over here that we don't have enough refs to do the same.

Also, seeing as how many and how vocal critics we have of the existing refs (rightly or wrongly) why would anyone have an objection to a ref they think is not up to speed, having some pressure, duties and work taken off him by a second ref? Surely that could only dilute his perceived "incompetence" and improve matters?

I aslo watch NFL, which has about 48 referees - they never miss a single thing.

Just think how much that would upset Mick!

Refs now travel in pairs for safety.

Unfortunately the referree pool in this country lacks the strenfth in depth and quality of the NRL so this could potentially backfire if tried here. Just imagine Ganson and Ian Smith reffing together they would be giving twice as menay penalties as each tries to hog the limelight and get nice comments from Stevo that they are controlling the ruck

Gus Gould was even praising Ashley Klein within the 2 ref formation - so it must be working

Although we do struggle to get enough good refs for one per game

Twice the bewildering decisions?