NRL signs ex-players as trainee referees

[Macarthur Saints]

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The NRL has announced the signing of former players Henry Perenara, Paul Mellor and Luke Phillips to its squad of referees.
The trio will enter a cadet program designed to fast track current or recently-retired players into the refereeing ranks with a view to them eventually becoming first grade referees.
Former Kiwi international Perenara, Souths winger Mellor and former Roosters flier Phillips will train with the professional squad, attend matches and spend time developing their on-field skills through school and junior competitions.
Depending on their progress, their first professional destination could become the new Toyota Cup National Youth Competition.
Veteran referee Steve Clark, who on Wednesday announced his retirement from refereeing, will oversee the players' progress as he steps into a development role with NRL.
"This is an innovative step for refereeing," NRL Chief Executive David Gallop said.
"The increasing pace of the game means that Robert Finch and his team need to look for new ways to keep ahead and the combination of Steve Clark's experience and players who are only just out of the game is a promising one indeed."
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I've been saying for years that fringe younger to middle aged 1st grade players would make great refs, they have the physical ability and are up to speed with rules and the speed of 1st grade plus they would be more mature and trained to perform at a top standard sooner than those coming up through the grades.