Chris James, who has refereed well over 200 first grade games, says he was unfairly sacked on October 7 by NRL referees boss Tony Archer.

His forced exit came a week after the end of the season, despite Archer lauding his work as an example to young adjudicators just weeks earlier.

The Professional Rugby League Match Officials (PRLMO) and the trade union body Unions NSW is representing James as he claims compensation or reinstatement.

“Chris James is a first rate referee who has given a significant chunk of his working life to the game,” Silvio Del Vecchio, chairman told Fox Sports.

“Yet he wasn’t even permitted to invite his seven-year old son to watch his final match.

“Referees are essential to the NRL and yet in this case we see someone thrown on the scrap heap without explanation, let alone respect or recognition. “It’s indecent and we will fight it.”