In 2026, the Brisbane Rugby League Referees Association (BRLRA) proudly celebrates 100 years of service, leadership, and commitment to the great game of rugby league. Since 1926, our members have stood at the heart of rugby league in Brisbane, ensuring fairness, safety, and integrity on the field for generations of players, officials and fans.
BRLRA President Marc Sauvage said celebrating 100 years is about recognising the thousands of referees who have given their time and commitment to make rugby league survive and thrive in Brisbane.
“The BRLRA invites all current and former members, their partners and supporters, and the wider Brisbane rugby league community to join us in celebrating our centenary next year in 2026,” Mr Sauvage said.
“Our centenary year is more than a major milestone. It provides us the opportunity to pay tribute to the thousands of referees who have contributed to our proud legacy. We know that our strong future is based on the strong foundations set by so many of our members in the past. We are honoured to be the custodians of this history and ambassadors for the future of rugby league refereeing in Brisbane.”
Throughout the years the BRLRA has survived floods, world wars, many changes to the administration of the game, the Super League days and hundreds of changes to the laws of the game. We have supplied referees for junior matches to senior grand finals throughout Brisbane, had our members control interstate matches, test matches and touring sides fixtures. Some of our members had long careers refereeing in the national competitions including officiating in grand finals and State of Origin matches. We currently have several members officiating in the Hostplus Cup and the NRL.
In community rugby league in Brisbane, we currently have over 430 members, with around 280 active members officiating more than 450 games per week across more than 50 separate clubs.
To find out more about what is planned in 2026 and our history, you can visit these pages on our website:
