Jared Maxwell is looking to ensure "fast, entertaining rugby league" is a hallmark of the NRL after being appointed to oversee the referees.
The former on-field official was on Wednesday announced as the NRL's new general manager of elite officiating and he said he was keen to embarce the opportunity of overseeing the Telstra Premiership's referees.
Last season marked the return to one referee and the introduction of the six-again rule while the NRL recently announced a raft of new rules for 2021 including a two-point field goal for long-range attempts, policing the offside, captain's challenges, scrums and the play-the-ball area.
"It’s an honour to be appointed to such an important role. Our match officials did an outstanding job last year adapting to the new rules and I’m looking forward to taking that to the next level in the 2021 season," he said.
"We all want to see fast, entertaining rugby league and I’ll work closely with all officials to ensure the players are given every opportunity to achieve that."
He takes on the role after a decorated career as a first-grade match official which included over 275 NRL matches, State of Origin and Tests.
The best from both sides of the Tasman
Maxwell most recently served as NRL Bunker Operations Manager and has been a member of the NRL Match Appointments Committee.
NRL head of football Graham Annesley said Maxwell would oversee elite officiating and Bunker operations.
"Jared was a leading referee for over a decade, then transitioned into coaching second-tier referees, before being appointed bunker manager last year and becoming a member of the match officials’ appointments committee," he said.
"Jared knows our referees well and the referees know Jared well. He understands the game and its clubs, but importantly has some innovative ideas to enhance the way our match officials prepare for a game."
