Officials for the National Rugby League in Australia are set to decide whether or not to start a groundbreaking trial which would see two referees involved on the field of play during a match.

The trial would start next season and one referee would monitor the action surrounding the ball whilst the other would constantly monitor the 10m line in defence. It would only be implemented in the National Rugby League, with the current system remaining in place for every other rugby grade and competition.

The officials on the National Rugby League board will meet in early December to decide whether to set the trial in motion and the chief of the League, Dave Gallop, is keen to see the scheme approved. He believes that having two referees on the pitch will lead to “greater consistency” and a game which flows and is generally more attractive and exciting for spectators.

As well as the aesthetic benefits of the proposal, it would also improve the accuracy of decisions made on the field. Gallop revealed that the board is currently keen to continue to raise the standards of such important decisions and the proposal has already been supported by numerous players and coaches in the National Rugby League, as well as individuals responsible for making important decisions in the world of rugby.

If the proposal is approved by the board but the game fails to benefit from two referees, Gallop has revealed that further reviews would be made and changes could be introduced if necessary.