Rugby league referees are considering a strike before the scheduled May 28 resumption of the NRL season

It comes after the competition's innovation group, Project Apollo, has started planning to reduce the number of refs per game from two to one during this year's competition in an effort to save money.

However, the Sydney Morning Herald reports the referees union is livid about the lack of consultation, and believe the move could breach their enterprise bargaining agreement.

Any strike action would be a huge blow to the hopes of restarting the competition.

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson opposes the move, saying the second referee helps speed the ruck up.