Graham Annesley has made his first major move as NRL head of elite football operations, making the game's referees report directly to him.
The decision comes just a year after Tony Archer was moved to a general manager role to oversee the national refereeing program.
Newly-appointed Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire was also brought in as a consultant, however Annesley has entered NRL HQ wielding change.
"If I'm going to be held accountable for what happens on the field in the elite competitions, I need to have the people who are directly responsible for controlling matches on the field reporting directly to me," Annesley said.
"The referees are employees of the game.
"They've got a very critical role in the outcome of matches and need to be taking operational policy directives from the game's administration.
"The best way for me to do that is to have a direct line into the people who are responsible for that."
The former Gold Coast chief executive also revealed that a review is currently being undertaken into the game's multi-million dollar bunker.
It was reported this week that there was a ten per cent increase in video referrals, and a 17 per cent increase in its adjudication on tries.
However despite the bunker continuing to come under intense scrutiny last season, Annesley insists he is satisfied with video system's output.
"But like any system technology, it's only as good as the people who are operating it, and someone has to sit in judgement and make a final decision," he said.
"We've got to make sure we've got the best, most qualified and well-trained people making those decisions."
Annesley will attend his first competition committee meeting as NRL boss on Thursday, when a reduction of interchanges will also be on the agenda.
Australian Associated Press
