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 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

NSWRL Referees Association

2 days ago

IAN McCALL FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

The Funeral Arrangements for our esteemed Life Member and NSWRL & Parramatta Referees' Life Member will be held as follows:

10am
Monday 27th July 2026
St Patrick’s Cathedral
1 Marist Place,
Parramatta NSW 2150

Further details will be posted shortly but wanted to give as much notice as possible. ... 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 Shayne Hayne, one of the most experienced and versatile officials in the modern era of rugby league.

Graded from the Group 21/Central Coast Referees Association and jumped straight into the NRL, Shayne built an outstanding career across all three major officiating roles — referee, touch judge and video referee.

His first grade journey began as a touch judge in Round 1, 2000, before making his refereeing debut the following year in Round 4, 2001. From there, he went on to referee 328 NRL first grade games, including four NRL Grand Finals in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2014. Shayne also officiated at representative and international level, controlling 14 State of Origin matches, 10 Test matches as a referee, and multiple City vs Country fixtures. His contribution extended beyond the middle, with 69 games as a touch judge and 59 games as a video referee, including Grand Final appointments in both roles.

His final first grade match came on the biggest stage of all — the 2014 NRL Grand Final between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbury Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.

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