FORMER South Sydney coach Michael Maguire has been appointed head of the National Rugby League match officials, according to Greg McCallum.
The retired international ref McCallum broke the news on Facebook late on Monday, explaining: “I am pleased that Tony Archer is no longer in that role.
“I think that Michael will bring a return to some good balance in the play the ball area with a renewed emphasis on the ball being played on the mark with the foot. The referees will be challenged but relieved that a long overdue change has been made.”
Archer has been moved into the new role of national referees director. The NRL confirmed two weeks ago it had offered Maguire, 43, the role. He follows former coaches such as Peter Louis, Daniel Anderson and Robert Finch into the position.
Maguire was let go by the Rabbitohs at the end of the 2017, replaced by assistant Anthony Seibold. He is expected to sit on a three-man panel to make appointments each week.
