The NRL's controversial two-referee system is in tatters after dramatic revelations that one referee will take complete charge of at least five games this weekend.
Asked about the dominant-referee move, NRL referees coach Robert Finch fired back: "Who told you that?"
But sources revealed senior referees will be appointed the dominant referee for the entire 80 minutes in five games, with junior referees playing substantially reduced roles.
Games with two senior referees appointed will operate under the shared two-referee system that has been utilised in the first six rounds.
With coaches only being told of the development today - and round seven starting tomorrow - there could be heavy confusion with players left unsure about the referees' new roles.
Finch was reluctant to discuss the issue but did say: "We are looking at fine-tuning the two-referee system all the time.
"Two refs have been a great success. It's only been in 18 months and we had one referee for 100 years. We are always looking at all options available."
But the latest move from Finch raises the question whether the two-referee system has a future in the NRL.
If there is to be one dominant referee in some matches, many will argue the game should consider reverting to having just one referee in the middle.
The shared two-referee system is likely to operate on the Canterbury-Bankstown v Brisbane broncos, North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta and South Sydney v Canberra games.
The one dominant referee role is likely to be implemented in the following games: Penrith v Wests Tigers, Cronulla v Newcastle, St George Illawarra v Sydney Roosters, Melbourne v NZ Warriors and Manly v Gold Coast.
The Daily Telegraph has been told that some less experienced referees are angry at the move which downplays their role in games.
The move comes after a horror start to the season for referees, who have made fundamental mistakes and frustrated players, fans and commentators with their rule interpretations.
The NRL hopes that having one experienced, dominant referee might ease the growing pressure on whistleblowers.
Bernard Sutton, Brett Suttor, Alan Shortall, Phil Haines and Chris James are expected to have decreased responsibilities this weekend.
Two referees, Gerard Sutton and Ben Cummins, were sacked this week after panicking and sin-binning two players - in the case of Parramatta co-captain Nathan Cayless the wrong player - during Sunday's match between the Rabbitohs and the Eels.
NRL assistant referees coach Bill Harrigan was not commenting last night but NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said: "Robert (Finch) is the referees coach and ultimately is responsible for the performances.
"If he thinks he can fine-tune the current model, then the NRL will fully support him."
Finch himself is under pressure. In an online poll nearly 90 per cent of respondents called for Finch to be sacked as referees boss.
However, senior figures in the NRL continue to support Finch who has undoubtedly one of the toughest jobs in the game.
