NEWCASTLE'S pack leader David Klemmer believes it is inevitable that teams will strive to exploit the ruck if the NRL proceeds with a proposal to revert from two referees to one for the rest of the season.
The plan to halve the number of whistle-blowers is yet to be announced, but there has been widespread speculation that it is a fait accompli as the code strives to slash operating costs in the aftermath of the coronavirus shutdown.
Already a host of coaches have voiced concerns about the likelihood of an increase in wrestling and spoiling tactics around the ruck should the reduction proceed.
The one-referee format is used at international level and Klemmer, who has played in 19 Tests, admitted there was a discernible difference.
"Once you go back to one, the main focus is on slowing down the ruck and that sort of stuff," Klemmer said.
"You know you can do it with one ref - test the limits there.
"I think the reason we've got two refs is they couldn't see everything and control the game. Everyone's calling for it to be back to one, but the reason we've got two is that one doesn't work."
Klemmer said "whatever it is, we've got to get on with it and play footy", but when asked for his preference, had no doubt that two referees were more efficient.
"Two's good," he said.
"You've got two refs, and if there's a knock-on or something happens like a strip, there's always that second person behind you that can help with that call as well.
"With obstruction plays, he's another pair of eyes out there, and he's helping the ref.
"So I prefer two. But if it's one, whatever it is, I just want to play footy."
The Knights were able to return to full-contact training on Monday for the first time since the competition was suspended on March 23.
Last week's sessions were conducted under strict social-distancing guidelines and groups of no more than 10, but players are now able to prepare as normal for the May 28 competition re-start.
Klemmer said Newcastle's strength-and-conditioning staff had given players "a bit of a touch-up" with some tough sessions.
"There's been some game-speed sort of training, which is good," he said.
"That's what we need. If we're not going to play any trials, we need to attack every angle we can get to get ready for round three."
Klemmer said his teammates had been "spot on" during the six weeks they spent training in isolation.
"We hold everyone accountable and we're still hungry to get back playing footy and doing good for Newcastle," he said.
