GROUP 11 Rugby League secretary Ross McDermott confirmed he and his committee are in talks with their Group 10 counterparts regarding the possibility of pooling officials, thanks to a severe referee shortage.

“We have a dire problem with a big shortage of men and women in the middle,” McDermott said.

“It’s probably one of the biggest challenges facing the Group but also the situation is right across the board in [Country Rugby League].’’

The recent, and seemingly never-ending, controversy surrounding referees in the NRL and the competition’s much-maligned video bunker system - which initially won praise - has become a mitigating factor, along with the constant criticism of officials.

The Group 11 secretary believes young people see the pressure referees are under and the bunker technology debate is turning people off.

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson was fined $40,000 for criticising the technology and those in the hot seat adjudicating on decisions. 

Coaches in the NRL have backed the embattled Roosters coach but the effect on referee confidence is under question.

‘’We have Willie Barnes who is a very experienced referee and appointed by the NRL to recruit and also oversee the system and he is doing a very good job in training and support, as a matter of fact he had 40 children under 14 looking at a training session about refereeing but turning that into future refs is difficult.’’ McDermott said.

‘’I have talked with Troy Warner, our referees secretary, who is based at Molong and we are in the process of talking about how we could pool referee talent with Group 10. 

“We’re calling out for new referees but for now this maybe a solution.’’

On a recent visit to Wagga he found the Riverina had a similar problem, adding the opportunity is there for people to get more involved in the game.