Welcome to the NSWRLRA

NSWRL Referees Association

21 hours ago

Continuing with our new daily series: Behind the Whistle!
Each day, we’ll shine a spotlight on a referee or touch judge who has helped shape, serve and contribute to the great game of rugby league.

Today we recognise Ben Cummins, one of the most experienced officials in rugby league history.

Graded from the Canberra Referees Association, Ben built an incredible career across the NRL as a referee, touch judge and video referee, finishing with more than 500 combined first grade appointments.

His first grade refereeing debut came in Round 9, 2006, when the North Queensland Cowboys played the Penrith Panthers at Dairy Farmers Stadium. From there, he went on to referee 443 NRL first grade games, including five NRL Grand Finals, 16 Test matches, 14 State of Origin matches and a City vs Country fixture.

Ben also made history in 2021 when he became the first match official to officiate in 400 NRL matches, a remarkable milestone that showed his longevity, professionalism and resilience at the highest level.

He was also known for his routines and attention to detail, including keeping a favourite whistle for decades — a small but great reminder of how personal and disciplined the life of an official can be.

Ben’s final first grade game came in Round 27, 2023, between St George Illawarra and Newcastle at Kogarah Oval, closing one of the longest and most respected careers in modern rugby league officiating.

A Grand Final referee, representative official, record breaker and mentor — Ben Cummins truly helped keep the game moving.

Who will be featured tomorrow? Stay tuned!
#BehindTheWhistle #refereespotlight #nswrlra #rugbyleague #matchofficials #respecttheofficials #whistlewatch #RugbyLeagueHistory ... See MoreSee Less

NSWRL Referees Association

2 days ago

Continuing with our new daily series: Behind the Whistle!
Each day, we’ll shine a spotlight on a referee or touch judge who has helped shape, serve and contribute to the great game of rugby league.

Today we recognise Denis Braybrook, a proud product of the South Sydney Referees Association and graded official #581.

Denis served rugby league as a first grade referee during the tough and physical NSWRFL era of the 1970s and early 1980s. His first grade career included 74 matches, beginning in Round 10, 1975, when Eastern Suburbs played North Sydney at the Sydney Showground. His final first grade appointment came in Round 19, 1982, when Canberra Raiders hosted St George Dragons at Seiffert Oval.

What makes Denis’s contribution even more special is that his name continues to live on through the Denis Braybrook Community Official of the Year Award, presented by the NSWRL Referees Association. The award recognises community referees and officials who show outstanding dedication, service and commitment to rugby league officiating.

That says plenty about Denis Braybrook’s legacy. He was not only a first grade referee, but someone whose name is now connected with recognising the hardworking officials who keep rugby league moving at every level.

A referee, a South Sydney graded official, and a name still honoured through one of NSW refereeing’s important annual awards — Denis Braybrook’s contribution to rugby league officiating continues to be remembered.

Who will be featured tomorrow? Stay tuned!
#BehindTheWhistle #refereespotlight #nswrlra #rugbyleague #matchofficials #respecttheofficials #whistlewatch #RugbyLeagueHistory ... See MoreSee Less