Class of 96
Bencher
NRL to dump referees boss Tony Archer after a season of controversy and dissent
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...m_campaign=EditorialSF&utm_content=SocialFlow
THE NRL has axed controversial referees boss Tony Archer after a tumultuous season of match officiating and dissension within the ranks.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg will demote Archer to a new game development role with no jurisdiction or connection with the refereeing department.
Under Archer’s watch, the NRL endured unprecedented outrage in the 2018 season over a penalty crackdown, perceived nepotism and the snubbing of fan-favourite and former grand final and Origin referee Matt Cecchin in big games.
Archer had been the boss of referees since 2013.
Archer has mired the NRL in controversy this season. (Marc Robertson)
A confidential report this week revealed fans were robbed of eight hours of in-play action this year because of the crackdown Archer instigated.
Under a new structure, senior referee manager Bernard Sutton will now report straight to recently appointed Head of Football Graham Annesley, rather than Archer.
Annesley will oversee all appointments and have a more hands on roll.
Morale within the NRL refereeing ranks has never been lower, according to sources.
Referees have complained of a toxic culture and nepotism in appointments all year.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...m_campaign=EditorialSF&utm_content=SocialFlow
THE NRL has axed controversial referees boss Tony Archer after a tumultuous season of match officiating and dissension within the ranks.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg will demote Archer to a new game development role with no jurisdiction or connection with the refereeing department.
Under Archer’s watch, the NRL endured unprecedented outrage in the 2018 season over a penalty crackdown, perceived nepotism and the snubbing of fan-favourite and former grand final and Origin referee Matt Cecchin in big games.
Archer had been the boss of referees since 2013.
Archer has mired the NRL in controversy this season. (Marc Robertson)
A confidential report this week revealed fans were robbed of eight hours of in-play action this year because of the crackdown Archer instigated.
Under a new structure, senior referee manager Bernard Sutton will now report straight to recently appointed Head of Football Graham Annesley, rather than Archer.
Annesley will oversee all appointments and have a more hands on roll.
Morale within the NRL refereeing ranks has never been lower, according to sources.
Referees have complained of a toxic culture and nepotism in appointments all year.