The refs control the game depending on which team has posession i think so 2 skilleds refs are required to make it work corectly. At least that is how i have read it.

Two rookie refs were given one game in round 1, and the feedback was still quite good.

One thing Scott Prince mentioned was that, as captain, there is an issue as to hich ref to approach with any concerns.

There is not a 1st and 2nd ref, they are equal. One side works with one club (whether it be in attack and defence) and the other ref works with the other club.

If you had a 1st and 2nd, or an attack and defensive ref, the logistics of swapping over would cause mayhem.

The only quibble that isn't clear is whether the ref's swap clubs at half time for consistency.

I heard that too. I assumed that one ref would be the senior one and one would just be an extra set of eyes.

Nope, they're totally equal. Which in the whole scheme of things (see above) is the right way to do it.

PS: No Brisbane spoilers today anyone. Not on annual leave this week.

certainly seemed that way in the bulldogs game last week.

There is the control ref and the assistant ref. They both take it in turns to be the control, which is what we would consider the normal ref position, with the more experienced ref being control for a greater percentage of the game. They had 2 refs on the footy show last week and the said if 2 refs of equal experience did the game they would have a 50/50 split on being control. The ref who is not control does not blow his whistle but advises the control ref if a penalty occurs. Has worked well so far I have seen 5 NRL games this week and you don't even notice the 2nd ref.

Two refs making the game quicker http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,25202517-5006066,00.html

Two refs making the game quicker http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,25202517-5006066,00.html