Rugby league officials have slammed NRL bosses as "arrogant" but say they won't jeopardise the re-start of the 2020 season, even if they lose their battle over the decision to revert to one on-field referee.
The Professional Rugby League Match Officials (PRLMO) is fighting the NRL's decision to scrap the two-referee system.
Strike action by the referees had been floated if they lost their bid to maintain the two on-field officials.
The matter will be heard this weekend by the Fair Work Commission, but regardless of the outcome, the referees say the season will re-start next Thursday.
"We are committed to our great game, and to keeping it both exciting and safe. If we lose the next hearing in the Fair Work Commission, we will be on the field with one referee on May 28," the PRLMO said in a statement.
"But if we are successful, we expect that the NRL will respect that decision and have two referees on the field in Round 3 and beyond."
The PRLMO is arguing the NRL decision to revert to a single referee has breached their enterprise agreement.
"There has been some confusion and a great deal of distortion around the dispute we are having with the league's bosses," the PRLMO said.
"This is not about us. It goes to the core of what the great game of Rugby League is all about. It is about the safety of the players, as well as the best interests of the wider rugby league community.
"It is also about fair and real consultation."
The PRLMO was scathing of the NRL's decision to make the change without taking into account the views of all stakeholders.
"The league bosses were simply arrogant with this one ref decision. They were like a bull in a china shop," the statement added.
"They ignored the unanimous view of a Project Apollo discussion panel held on 11 May 2020. Representatives there included players, coaches and clubs, all of whom agreed that the two-referee model was superior.
"They were just ignored."
More to come.
from WWOS http://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/rugby-league-referees-season-will-restart-regardless-of-fair-work-commission-decision/c8e5d495-c4a0-48eb-9202-f215704e3070
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