Ben Cummins to referee 300th NRL match.
Ben Cummins will become just the sixth referee to reach the milestone of 300 NRL matches – and the second to do so in a fortnight – when he officiates in the Bulldogs-Manly match at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.
Cummins will be lead referee in the match, which will see him join Bill Harrigan, Col Pearce, Shayne Hayne, Steve Clark and Gavin Badger in the exclusive club. Badger joined the 300 Club in Round 22.
“Ben has consistently been one of the NRL’s best referees throughout his career and now he has this impressive milestone to match his dedication,” NRL Head of Football Brian Canavan said.
“He will join a very elite bracket of contributors to our game.
“Ben will also now hold the record as the referee who has achieved this feat in the shortest period of time, doing so in his 12th season in the NRL.”
NRL General Manager of Officiating Tony Archer said Cummins was a two-time Col Pearce Medal winner, and had officiated in four Grand Finals and 14 State of Origins.
“Ben is as dedicated an official as there is,” Mr Archer said.
“He is more often than not the last official off the training field. Physically and mentally he is one of our very best, and always has been.
“Every year since 2010, he has officiated in an international or a State of Origin, and many times both – that sort of consistency over a long period of time highlights how he has reached this milestone so quickly.
“He is a true professional. His dedication and preparation are without fault. His 300th game is a fitting reward for all that dedication and sacrifice.”
Referees 300 Club
Bill Harrigan (393)
Col Pearce (340)
Shayne Hayne (328)
Steve Clark (314)
Gavin Badger (301)
