Welcome to the NSWRLRA

NSWRL Referees Association

19 hours ago

Continuing with our daily series: Behind the Whistle!

Today we celebrate the outstanding contribution of Jack Turner, a referee and first-grade touch judge whose service extended across the Parramatta, Penrith and NSW Rugby League Referees Associations.

Jack was graded to the NSW Rugby League Referees Association in 1964 as graded member #578, having progressed from the Parramatta Referees Association.

His first-grade touch-judging career began in Round 12 of 1969, when Parramatta played Penrith at Cumberland Oval. Across an exceptional career spanning 15 seasons, Jack officiated in 189 first-grade matches.

His final first-grade appearance came in Round 26 of 1983, when Illawarra played Penrith at Wollongong Showground—bringing to a close a remarkable top-grade career that had begun 14 years earlier.

Jack also played an important role in the establishment of the Penrith District Rugby League Referees Association. When the Association was formed on 24 August 1966, Jack served on its inaugural executive as Senior Vice-President. He is also recognised as a Life Member of the Penrith Referees Association.

Away from rugby league, Jack’s story was equally distinguished. He joined the Regular Australian Army in 1959, served on active duty in Vietnam and retired from the Army in 1976 with the rank of Warrant Officer Class One. NSW Referees’ Association records acknowledge that he completed two tours of Vietnam and later proudly participated in Sydney’s Welcome Home march.

Jack Turner’s legacy stretches well beyond his 189 first-grade matches. He helped establish an Association, supported the development of refereeing in Western Sydney, served his country and represented rugby league officiating with distinction.

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NSWRL Referees Association

2 days ago

Continuing with our daily series: Behind the Whistle!

Today we recognise Michael Jones, a highly respected rugby league match official who progressed through the Balmain Referees Association and became graded member #877 of the NSW Rugby League Referees Association.

Michael established an impressive career as a touch judge, officiating 100 first-grade matches between 2003 and 2008. Records list 99 premiership appearances and one NRL finals appointment—the 2006 qualifying final between Melbourne and Parramatta at Olympic Park.

His first-grade debut came in Round 6 of 2003, when the Wests Tigers played the Parramatta Eels at Telstra Stadium. His final appearance was in Round 16 of 2008, when the Warriors defeated the Wests Tigers 28–26 in a memorable match at Leichhardt Oval.

Among Michael’s career highlights were:

🏉 100 first-grade games as a touch judge
🏉 2008 City vs Country Origin, which finished in a 22-all draw
🏉 Two Reserve Grade Grand Finals – 2003 and 2004
🏉 NRL Schoolboys Cup Grand Final – 2001
🏉 2006 NRL Qualifying Final – Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels

His appointment to the 2008 City vs Country fixture placed him alongside touch judge Jeff Younis for one of the traditional highlights of the representative calendar.

At the conclusion of the 2008 season, Michael announced his retirement from the NRL squad.

Michael’s contribution continued well beyond the touchline. In 2017, he played a leading role in rebuilding the NSWRL Referees Association’s website and developing its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms—helping the Association share its history and promote match officials in a professional and contemporary way.

From Balmain to the NRL, representative football and service behind the scenes, Michael Jones has made a lasting contribution to rugby league officiating.

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NSWRL Referees Association

3 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 feature our 20th special profile on those who contributed to refereeing but didn’t quite make first grade

Today we recognise Mat Damaso, graded member #915, a referee and accomplished touch judge from the Canterbury-Bankstown Referees Association

Mat’s journey through the refereeing pathway began well before his long NSW graded career. He received a Harold Matthews Cup Grand Final touchline in 1995. A decade later, after another strong Junior Representative season, he earned grading with the NSWRL Referees Association.

Mat officiated a remarkable total of 190 NSW Reserve Grade and 75 NRL Under-20s appointments, along with two srepresentative touchlines.

Mat also built an impressive Grand Final record:
🏆 Metro Cup Grand Finals – 2011, 2012 and 2013
🏆 Sydney Shield Grand Finals – 2014, 2015 and 2016

That remarkable run represents six consecutive seasons with a Grand Final touchline across the two competitions.

His first NSW Cup touchline came in Round 25, 2006, when South Sydney played Newtown at Telstra Stadium. His final NSW Cup appointment was in Round 4, 2017, when Penrith defeated Wyong at Pepper Stadium.

Mat Damaso’s career is a wonderful example of the commitment, consistency and professionalism required to serve rugby league beyond the first-grade spotlight.

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