There is the control ref and the assistant ref. They both take it in turns to be the control, which is what we would consider the normal ref position, with the more experienced ref being control for a greater percentage of the game. They had 2 refs on the footy show last week and the said if 2 refs of equal experience did the game they would have a 50/50 split on being control. The ref who is not control does not blow his whistle but advises the control ref if a penalty occurs. Has worked well so far I have seen 5 NRL games this week and you don't even notice the 2nd ref.

Two refs making the game quicker

[urlhttp://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,25202517-5006066,00.html[/url