The NSWRL’s High Performance squad has added four more referees to their roster after recognising their potential to further progress their careers with the whistle in hand.
The four are from the metropolitan development squad - Adam Sirianni, 30, from the Balmain district; Blake Williams, 25, (Western Suburbs); Ben Seppala, 24, (Penrith) and Ethan Klein, 21, (Parramatta), who is the son of NRL referee Ashley Klein.
The four have already been handling matches in SG Ball (Under 19s), Harold Matthews (Under 17s) and Tarsha Gale Cup (Under 19s women) competitions – anywhere from Newcastle to Canberra to Penrith.
“These four have pretty much got to the top of that Junior Reps standard and are ready to move into the next level looking after games in our senior competitions, The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership,” NSWRL Referees High Performance Manager Stuart Raper said.
“On the back of a really successful Junior Reps season for these four we think it’s good for their experience and their careers that they take the next step up.
“We see great potential in them, and they have already started training with our High Performance squad.
“We look forward to seeing them continue to officiate and progress up the ranks.”
These new additions bring the High Performance squad number to 40. Retirements and natural attrition saw vacancies become available this year allowing Raper to make some promotions into the top squad.
“They have now reached the pinnacle of the NSWRL competitions and we congratulate them on getting to this stage. We wish them all the best as they move forward,” Raper said.
Some will achieve their ultimate goal of moving into the NRL referees squad.
