NRL referee Shayne Hayne will work in the dual referee system next season

Australia's National Rugby League has approved a plan for its matches to be officiated by two referees next season.

The system will see one on-pitch referee monitor the play-the-ball and the other hold the 10m line in defence.

NRL chief Dave Gallop said: "This is a major step and another demonstration of the priority that is placed in officiating our game.

"This decision is a fundamental change to the refereeing model and reflects the pace and demands of today's game."

The referee overseeing the play-the-ball will not be able to blow his whistle if any stoppages or penalties need to be called, instead having to communicate with the main ref, but the two controlling any game will spend time filling both roles.

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Gallop added: "Not for a second do I think this will stop people arguing about on-field decisions but they can't argue about the professionalism or the dedication of those involved in making the decisions."

The NRL's annual chief executives' conference recommended the change in November and the league's board ratified it on Thursday.

The system will be applied in the NRL, with the conventional system of one referee and two touch judges remaining for all other grades and competitions.

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