Payments for referees will be handled by Group Nine this season.

Previously clubs have been responsible for the payments for referees and touch judges, including their travel expenses.

It was an issue many were clubs were wary of before committing to playing a season.

However Group Nine chairman Peter McDermott was more than happy to help.

"Group Nine will pay for referees in 2020," McDermott said.

"We just had to go the figures and done them quickly on Sunday before sending an email back.

"It was one of the stickler things about a month ago with no crowds.

"We had a good fiscal year so there is no point sitting on that.

"We had banked a large profit and we want to help so we did."

Group Nine referees also agreed to a 30 per cent reduction to their fee.

With restrictions easing on crowds, McDermott believes it will be another bonus for the eight clubs who committed to playing rugby league this season.

After a board revamp before last season, Group Nine produced a turnaround of around $54,000 after recording a profit of $40,974.

They credited extra sponsorship, extra finals, including the record grand final crowd, and decreased costs for the change of fortunes.

READ MORE