The NRL has conducted secret tests on a prototype for a video referees' bunker and is sufficiently encouraged by the results to keep pushing towards implementing the technology.

The NRL has engaged former Australian cricket coach John Buchanan and league Immortal Bob Fulton to oversee a widespread review of the refereeing ranks.

"What we picked up from the Hawkeye technology was we had greater control over those replays and the speed of those replays": Todd Greenberg. Credit:Getty Images

The priority is to investigate the feasibility of a "central command centre" in which video referees can review contentious decisions.

Fairfax Media can reveal the governing body has already trialled a version of the bunker this year in which officials reviewed decisions in real time.