Junior Rugby League referee Stuart Halsey was treated to a nice surprise after being awarded the Jack O’Sullivan Award for the junior referee with the most potential at the NSWRL Referees Association annual presentation at the SCG.
The Bathurst local has enjoyed a successful season after refereeing Group 10 Junior Rugby League and Western Women's Rugby League Grand Finals as well as the PSSA deciders at state and national level.
“About a month ago I got an email from the New South Wales Rugby League Referees Association saying I was nominated for the Jack O'Sullivan Award and to put in my RSVP,” Halsey told the Western Advocate.
“It surprised me, I didn't really expect it.
“I thought I'd go up, it would be a good experience, meet some new people, meet some other refs, but I didn't expect to win the award.
“I guess I got it since I got both the finals for the PSSA state and nationals.”
While Halsey has put plenty of effort into improving his craft, he credits those around him for helping him to get to where he is today.
“I guess I improve from experiences, from each week just turning up,” he said.
“It’s great to have guys like Nick Lander, Bryce Hotham, Nathan Blanchard, Anthony Pond, having them come to games and watch and then coaching is great.
“At half-time they’ll let you know what you need to work on and improve and after the game they’ll tell you again what you need to work on and what needs adjustment.
“I guess you also know after a game something you've done wrong and what you could do better, each week when you turn up and ref games you just want to learn and improve.”
