The NRL will revert to using one referee for the first time since 2008, when the season restarts on May 28.
On Wednesday, the Australian Rugby League Commission (ALRC) signed off on the proposal, as well as a new 'six again' call instead of penalties for ruck infringements.
For several weeks, the return to one referee has been touted as a cost-cutting measure for the competition, which has been financially impacted from the COVID-19 pandemic.
No full-time referee will lose their job. Instead they'll be used as touch judges to provide more experience to sideline officiating.
The NRL is the only rugby league competition in the world that uses two referees. International rugby league and English Rugby Football League use just one.
While the change will save millions of dollars this year alone, many coaches are against it, including NZ Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney.
ARLC chairman Peter V'landys insists the changes are best for the game moving forward.
"The decision shouldn't be seen as taking one referee out," he explains. "It should be that we are using three full-time experienced referees controlling the game, which will ensure greater surveillance of the ruck and the wrestle.
"This decision will significantly reduce the number of stoppages in games and showcase more open unstructured play for the benefit of fans.
"These decisions address the issue of wrestling and slowing the ruck down, which has been the biggest issue in the game."
At the end of the 2020 season, the one-referee system will be reviewed to decide if it remains a permanent fixture for future seasons.
Kearney feels the changes are quite significant to make during the season.
"My personal opinion is that at this particular time - on the back of being out for seven weeks - it's too big a change to our game," says Kearney.
"It's the same with the six-again rule - I think they're just too big adjustments to make.
"We just started team training on Monday, so to get any sort of awareness around it all, I just think it's a bit too early to bring that in."
Other coaches who were opposed to the changes include Des Hasler, Michael Maguire, Paul Green, Paul McGregor and Justin Holbrook.
Coronavirus forced a season suspension after two rounds and the NRL is due to release an updated schedule later this week.
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