Harrigan and Raper to stay after review

A review into NRL Match Officials operations has determined that Referees Co-Coaches Bill Harrigan and Stuart Raper will continue to lead the squad.

The review will also lead to a greater commitment to enhancing communication procedures with NRL Clubs and the Match Officials squad and to providing more direct one-on-one coaching with referees.

ARLC General Manager of Football Operations, Mr Nathan McGuirk, said the thorough and open review into the operations of the Match Officials squad had provided an important analysis of where improvements could be made.

“Bill and Stuart have been the first to admit there are areas that can be improved and that will begin immediately, but we have full confidence in their ability to oversee the Match Officials squad moving forward and to implement those changes,” Mr McGuirk said.

“This has been a confronting and honest process for all involved but one that has taken on board the feedback from both the match officials and the coaches and which will only strengthen the performances of the squad.”

Harrigan and Raper said they were committed to getting the best out of the team of Match Officials both on and off the field.

“It’s been important that we have gone through this review process in such an open manner and these changes will only help with the development of the squad,” Harrigan said.

“The outstanding on-field performances of Match Officials during this process has highlighted the squad’s professionalism and it is a standard we are determined to maintain for the rest of the season.”

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