The NRL’s Magic Round brought more than just the 16 clubs together for the annual festival of footy. Members of the Brisbane Rugby League Referees Association (BRLRA) were given access to the game’s elite officials at a couple of events. NRL officials Chris Sutton, Ashley Klein and Matt Noyen were joined by QRL officials for a skills, drills, Q&A and BBQ session in Ipswich for local referees. Other junior BRLRA members saw some time on the turf of Suncorp Stadium to experience what life was like as an elite NRL match official.
BRLRA President Marc Sauvage said the time the NRL’s elite officials give to junior community referees is outstanding and they should be congratulated for giving their time back to grassroots sport.
“Just like our elite players, match officials also give time back to junior sport and in the case of referees, their efforts continue to impress me,” Mr Sauvage said.
“I know our junior members got so much out of these opportunities and learnt a lot. I’m sure they’ll remember their experiences for a long time into the future. I can’t thank the NRL and the QRL officiating teams for organising these events for local referees.”