The referees union is seeking a pay rise that would result in the game’s top whistleblower earning a wage less than that of the average NRL player.

Fairfax Media can reveal the Professional Rugby League Match Officials is seeking a 30 per cent pay increase for its members over the next four years. If granted, the single best referee in the game would stand to earn about $315,000 once Test and State of Origin commitments are factored in. To put that into perspective, the average wage for players under the new collective bargaining agreement rises to $330,000.

Taking action: Matt Cecchin is retiring as an NRL referee at seasons's end over constant abuse, and referees are threatening to take industrial action for the first time ever over protracted pay negotiations. Credit:AAP

While State of Origin players get $30,000 per Origin appearance, the four match officials currently have to split $11,000.

Frustrated after months of fruitless negotiations with the NRL, the PRLMO is taking industrial action in a bid to secure better conditions. While the actions won’t affect the finals series, the union hopes a series of actions will bring attention to the plight of its members. Options include wearing non-approved items of clothing and skipping training sessions, while a media ban will be lifted on the referees.