The NSWRL has announced the referees for the NSWRL Grand Final gala day at Bankwest Stadium on Sunday 27 September, including the first-ever female appointment to control a decider in the history of the organisation.
Karra-Lee Nolan has been appointed to cover the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership match between Central Coast Roosters and North Sydney Bears, Kieren Irons the Presidents Cup between Maitland Pickers and Glebe-Burwood Wolves, and Cameron Paddy the Sydney Shield between Ryde-Eastwood Hawks and Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks.
“Congratulations to all our officials on their appointments to control the biggest game of the 2020 season,” NSWRL Referees High Performance coach Stuart Raper said.
“They’ve been our most consistent performers in what has been a really tough year for us with the limited games we’ve had because of COVID-19.”
“They thoroughly deserve their spot and a Grand Final is a wonderful occasion to be a part of. I’m confident they’ll all have a good call and I wish them the best of luck.”
Raper said Nolan had just missed out on refereeing the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership Grand Final between CRL Newcastle and Mounties last year.
“She’s worked hard on the conditioning aspect and worked hard on her game and we rewarded her with the appointment because of those reasons,” Raper said.
“She was pipped at the post last year and has taken one step further this year.”
Nolan, who refereed the Group Seven Rugby League Grand Final between Shellharbour and Kiama in 2018, said she was thrilled to be part of Grand Final day on Sunday.
“The Grand Final is the pinnacle of what we do and it’s what we train hard for all year round,” Nolan said.
“If you weren’t disheartened for not getting one, or not excited for getting one, then you’re probably in it for the wrong reasons.
“I love the sport, I love being able to give back to the game and when you achieve so much in the game, especially controlling a Grand Final, it makes you even hungrier for the future.”
NSWRL Grand Final appointments
11am: Sydney Shield (Ryde-Eastwood Hawks vs Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks)
Referee: Cameron Paddy
Touch Judges: Mitchell Stone, Cameron Mitchell
In Goals: Damian Brady, Clayton Wills
1.15pm: Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership (Central Coast Roosters vs North Sydney Bears)
Referee: Karra-Lee Nolan
Touch Judges: Cameron Turner, Dillan Wells
In Goals: Paul Eden, Luke Saldern
3.30pm: Presidents Cup (Maitland Pickers vs Glebe-Burwood Wolves)
Referee: Kieren Irons
Touch Judges: Ben Teague, John Woods
In Goals: Daniel Luttringer, Jake Sutherland
