LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
While much has been said in regard to the perceived lack of players to accommodate the NRL's expansion to 19 teams (potentially more) by the end of the decade.
There is a hidden issue that is yet to be dissected, and it's one that has major ramifications for the future of the game.
Without quality match officials, there is simply no game. Since the COVID era, we've seen referees transition into touch judges, while touch judges have become obsolete in some areas. The ability for full-time match officials to be multi-skilled across two or more roles (referee/touch judge/bunker official) has also become essential.
The NRL has already taken steps to streamline their official roster, culling full-time officials who do not meet these multi-role criteria. For some of these officials, it means shifting to part-time work while pursuing additional careers.
This includes both grand final touch judges from last year, Dave Munro and Chris Sutton.
Meanwhile, those who possess dual capabilities are retained on full-time contracts as in years past.