Returned Canberra Raider Jordan Rapana backs one NRL referee to help improve consistency, flow

But a final decision will come down to the ARL Commission on Wednesday, where they will have to decide whether to stick with the current two-referee system - as hoped for by a majority of NRL coaches - or save the game up to $3 million this season by cutting back to one.

It's raised concerns wrestling would increase - something the second referee was introduced to eradicate.

That's led to possible rule changes to help counter that - like restarting the tackle count rather than award ruck penalties.

Rapana started his career with only one referee - when he debuted for the Gold Coast Titans in 2008 - and has played 11 Tests for New Zealand under the same set-up.

The 30-year-old felt with two referees, two touch judges and the bunker there was the possibility for inconsistent decisions - something reduced along with one of the referees.

"Sometimes with two refs one might see something different and rugby league's a fast game as well," Rapana said.

"One ref said it's a rake and the other said it's a knock on, and ultimately it comes back to the head ref and his decision.

"I don't mind just having the one ref. I played back when there was one ref and international games.

"I think personally it flows a bit better. There's going to be times when there's 50-50 calls when they weren't right, but that's just part and parcel of the game.

"When there is one ref you can accept it."

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Rapana signed on with the Raiders for the rest of the 2020 NRL season last week, having had a brief sojourn with the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japanese rugby union.

He would love to see out his career with his beloved Green Machine, but is unsure what the future holds.

Rapana said incumbent Canberra wingers Nick Cotric and Bailey Simonsson had earned their positions and he was there as depth - although he'll be pushing them at training.

He also pointed out he's not just a winger, having also played at fullback and centre during his 118-game career.

It could see Rapana used as a utility on the bench, with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart opting to have a spare back on the pine in recent games.

He could also cover in the forwards, having returned with a fire in his belly from last year's NRL grand final loss.

"They've earned their spot and they deserve it. I'm here as a handy back-up and replacement," he said.

"Don't get me wrong I'll be pushing. Not just as winger too. I've played many positions so I feel as though I'm handy to fill in anywhere in the backs.

"I'm coming back as 107 kilograms too so I'll be pushing some of those forwards too."

While he enjoyed his time in rugby union, league is Rapana's true love and he hopes to continue in the code beyond this season.

Whether that's in Canberra is yet to be decided, with the Raiders believed to have limited room in their 2021 salary cap.

He's been linked to several other clubs, including the Titans, Wests Tigers - where he could reunite with Joey Leilua - and the Canterbury Bulldogs.

"It just feels right to be back here ... I'm just grateful to get a contract this year," Rapana said.

"Obviously I'd love to stay here for the rest of my career. Rugby league is the sport I grew up on - I haven't had the best luck and strike rate in union, but I definitely miss league.

"I don't regret my decision of giving union a crack at all. It's reassured me league is my home and I love the sport so much.

"I definitely want to finish my career here ... I've spoken to [Raiders coach Ricky Stuart] and he wants to keep me, but I've still got to earn a contract too.

"I've got a big year ahead of me and I've got to put my head down and work hard and play some good footy."