Why Titans coach Justin Holbrook is wary about the switch to one referee
Titans coach Justin Holbrook believes moving to one referee is necessary for the survival of rugby league, but there could be a catch if it comes back for 2020.
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The one referee debate has sparked plenty of criticism but Titans coach Justin Holbrook is all for it, if it’s necessary for the survival of the game.
The NRL is considering reducing the number of on-field referees to one in a bid to save the governing body around $3 million.
The six again rule – awarded if the referee spots an infringement in the play-the-ball – is also being investigated as a possible rule change.
Holbrook is one of just a few NRL coaches who have backed the idea if it’s necessary for the game.
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However, the Titans coach did question whether it will benefit the players and the game to change the rules so close to the season relaunch in three weeks’ time.
“I’m not sure if it will be a benefit,” Holbrook said.
“Our game is a really fast game and it will be hard for one referee to notice everything.
“There’s pros and cons to it really.
“The game will be played differently if there is one.
“For me, if we can stick to the same and let the players get ready without having any changes, that would be the best result.
“Ideally, you’d like to have two (refs) because that’s what we started the season with, but without knowing the exact finances of the game, and if that’s a necessity (cutting back to one ref), then I’m okay with it.”
The former St Helens coach is accustomed to games being refereed by one official on the field, as is the case in the English Super League.
He said the game was capable of surviving with just one referee on the field to control the game.
“I’ve come off two-and-a-half years coaching in the Super League where we only have one referee and I was fine with that,” he said.
“My understanding is that some of the other (NRL) coaches are not in favour, and I can understand why. We train all the time and play all the time with two refs.
“It is not ideal because you’ve got a short time frame getting up to speed, so you don’t want too many changes to the rules.
“But if it’s a necessity, then I’m fine with it.”
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