NRL one-referee dispute resolved after Peter V’landys promises to back refs
The NRL season will continue as planned with Peter V’landys resolving the one-referee dispute after promising to back the whistleblowers during the tough times.
NRL
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Peter V’landys has vowed “I’m not Greenberg” after promising to back referees even in tough times following an end to the one ref dispute.
V’landys and the 21 full-time referees on Friday night came to an agreement to resolve their standoff ahead of the competition’s return next Thursday night.
It put an end to the Fair Work Commission arbitration hearing that was threatening the derail the NRL’s return amid talk of potential strike action if the governing body did not return to two referees this season.
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It is understood referees’ union boss Silvio Del Vecchio from the PRLMO was hell bent on continuing his push for the two ref return.
But Del Vecchio was said to be ultimately overpowered by the real whistle blowers who wanted to act in the game’s best interests.
“They have voted unanimously to discontinue after they heard our side,” a clearly excited V’landys said.
The breakthrough followed a video conference.
It is no secret the refs’ major private fear is that they will be hung out to dry if controversy erupts in the coming weeks, and coaches and players blow up about the rule changes that are most likely going to take time to adjust to.
Back in 2018 the NRL staged a penalty crackdown to clean up the game but it was abandoned mid-season when Greenberg told the refs to stop nitpicking.
Reminded of that, V’landys responded: “I’m not Greenberg to start with and you know me better than that by now.
“I will support them absolutely.
“Especially if it is me that has caused it I will be front and centre for them.
“And you can quote me on it.
“I think they realised today that I will stand behind them.
“That is my style. People who give me loyalty I give it back in spades.
“The referees were very loyal to us today and I will not forget it.
“I will back them.”
It was agreed on Friday night that:
-One referee will officiate NRL Competition Matches for the remainder of the 2020 season;
-A minimum of 22 full-time referee positions will be retained in 2020 and 2021;
-A review of the new system will be conducted when the season ends by a working group consisting of representation from players, coaches, referees and NRL management;
-Its recommendations will be presented to the ARLC Commission for their consideration in determining the future officiating model for the NRL Competition.
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The referees and match officials then voted to withdraw their claim before the Fair Work Commission and instructed the PRLMO to do so.
V’landys added: “This is an excellent outcome for the game and all its stakeholders. Can I thank the individual referees for the way they conducted themselves during today’s discussion,’’ he said.
“It was heartwarming to see their desire that nothing stands in the way of the 28th May commencement of our great game and they want to be an integral part of its success.”
“The new rule changes will make our game faster and more entertaining. Most importantly it will address the biggest on-field issues which are speed around the ruck, and the eradication of the wrestle.”