A former NRL referee has vowed to take legal action against the organising body after he claimed he was unfairly sacked.
Chris James, a veteran of 10 seasons and 228 first-grade games, said he was abruptly axed by NRL referees boss Tony Archer in October without an explanation.
The Professional Rugby League Match Officials association said James was seeking reinstatement or compensation.
"Referees are essential to the NRL and yet in this case we see someone thrown on the scrap heap without explanation, let alone respect or recognition," PRLMO chairman Silvio Del Vecchio said.
"It's indecent and we will fight it."
An spokesman said the NRL would not comment on the case until they had seen the statement of claim.
James claims that in September, Archer had praised his performance and in mid-July he was told he was in contention to referee during the finals.
His final game was Canterbury's win over the Gold Coast in round 25 in late August before he was dropped for the final round of the regular season.
He claims he was then abruptly sacked during a meeting with Archer a week after the grand final, which the PRLMO described as a "complete shock".
James claims he was not given prior warning that he was to be axed and was upset he was not given the opportunity to invite his family to his final game as an NRL match official.
James' claim is being supported by trade union body Unions NSW.
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