Celebrating and Honouring 100 Years of Rugby League Officiating Excellence
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.
Our centenary year is a major milestone – one that pays tribute not only to our longevity, but to the thousands of referees who have contributed to our proud legacy. From the early days of wearing all-white uniforms on suburban fields to today’s modern officiating, the BRLRA has evolved alongside the game while remaining true to the values of professionalism, accountability, and passion for rugby league.
For a century, the BRLRA has been a cornerstone of referee development in Queensland. Many of our officials have gone on to officiate at state, national, and international levels, including the NRL and State of Origin. The Association has long been recognised for its robust training, mentoring, and support systems, equipping referees with the confidence, knowledge, and leadership skills needed to succeed both on and off the field.
At its heart, the BRLRA is more than an officiating body – it is a close-knit community. For 100 years, our members have built friendships, supported one another through the highs and lows of life, officiated and navigated the many changes to rugby league, and we have worked together to uphold the standards of our great game. This centenary is a celebration of those relationships, shared experiences, and the collective spirit that makes the BRLRA so special.
How are we celebrating 100 years?
To mark this historic occasion, the BRLRA will be hosting and conducting a range of special centenary events throughout 2026. We invite all current and former members, their partners and supporters, and the Brisbane rugby league community to join us in celebrating this momentous year.
100 Year Centenary Gala Dinner – 28 March 2026
To celebrate our truly historic milestone, the Brisbane Rugby League Referees Association invited past and present members — and the families of those who have passed — to join us in celebrating our centenary at a gala dinner on 28 March 2026.
Themed around Memories, Milestones, Memorabilia and Mateship, the evening had plenty of laughs, reunions, reflections and recognition of the role referees have played over the last 100 years.
The evening was hosted by esteemed broadcaster John McCoy OAM, whose voice has long been synonymous with Queensland sport, especially rugby league. Adding to the festivities, we welcomed leaders from the NRL, QRL and Rugby League Brisbane.
To see the full gallery of images from the night, check out our Facebook page or visit https://sarahsfootyphotos.pic-time.com/-brlra100yearcelebrationnight
Wearing the heritage jersey in 2026
We’re going old school and will have something very special for our members to wear on-field in 2026.
We are bringing back the long-sleeve white uniform that many referees so fondly remember wearing in the golden era of rugby league in Brisbane. The heritage jersey has all the names of our life members printed on them and with the matching socks creates an on-field uniform for 2026 to give a nod to our 100-year history.
Recognising our history
We are also restoring photos and honour boards damaged in the floods. The Restoration and Construction of Honour Boards include:
- The restoration of existing honour boards damaged over the years to preserve the names and achievements of those who helped build our Association.
- A new Life Members Honour Board to recognise those who have given outstanding, long-term service to the Association.
- A Representation Honours Board to acknowledge BRLRA members who have officiated at the top levels.
These initiatives reflect our commitment to honouring the past while inspiring the future. They will ensure that the achievements of our members—on and off the field—are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
2026 will be a big season!
Stay tuned to our website and social media for updates on how you can be part of the BRLRA’s 100-year celebration, to access event invitations when they are released and other historical features.
Please pass the word on to any of your contacts who are former members or supporters of the BRLRA to make sure they know we are soon turning 100 so they can join us in the celebrations.
More information on our 100-year celebrations:
Please contact communications@brlra.com.au
More about our history
Want to know about the 100-year history of our Association? Scott Irvine was the Secretary of the BRLRA from 2013 to 2019. He has been documenting the history of the Association for several years in the lead up to our centenary year in 2026. His book, Alternative Arenas, is now available and can be ordered online. For more information about the history book, check out the website www.brlracentenarybook.com
