CRL Announce Junior Representative Referees Squad

Pathways for young Referees in Regional NSW will be strengthened in 2018, with the announcement of a Country Rugby League Junior Representative Referees squad.

The exciting announcement brings the pathway in line with the National Structure of Officiating and mirrors the structure of both the New South Wales Rugby League and Queensland Rugby League Junior Representative programs. 

As per the National Structure of Officiating pathway, the CRL Junior Representative Referee‘s Squad will consist of Officials from the 2017 High Performance Squad, with a total of 20 referees selected to take part in the program.

Selected officials for the CRL Junior Representative Squad will commence training over the summer and will then be appointed to officiate throughout the 2018 CRL Country Championships.

NRL National Pathways Coach Shayne Hayne, who has been instrumental in the formation of the program, believes the new structure provides a great opportunity for young regional referees.

“With these new pathways and structures in place, it allows CRL referees to stay at home and not have to leave their area and still have the opportunity to receive additional education to assist them in becoming Elite match Officials,” said Hayne.

“There is now a clear pathway for CRL referees to become an elite match Official and I am confident this will translate into quality on-field performances.

“I’d like to thank Country Rugby League for their assistance in creating this opportunity for young referees throughout New South Wales.”

2018 Country Rugby League Junior Representative Referees squad: