Taking on True Blue Les Boyd was a brave move for any referee, but the late Mick Rudd kept a fair and disciplined hand in all that he did and Rugby League has paid tribute to him for it.
Rudd died earlier this month after a long battle with melanoma skin cancer. He was 86.
Rudd was a Life Member of Turvey Park JRLC, Group 9 JRL, Wagga JRL Referees Association and Group 9 Referees Association.
NSWRL Zone Manager David Skinner, based in Wagga Wagga, recalls the era Rudd officiated in was known for its more frequent physical altercations between players.
“I recall Mick being in the middle in the days when scrums would erupt and on one such day when the players were separated, he had to give Les Boyd some time on the sideline,” Skinner said of the fiery former Western Suburbs and Manly Sea Eagles second rower, who went on to play 17 Tests for Australia and three Origin games for NSW.
“Les was certainly not too happy about that, and some words were exchanged on his way to the sheds.
“All said and done, punch ups were more common back in the day, and Mick was noted for being fair when dealing with these matters, on and off the field.”
Rudd’s life-long involvement with Rugby League began when his own children started to play.
He was instrumental in co-ordinating local matches at Spring Street Oval at a time when there were only two junior teams in Wagga Wagga, but there was an overflow of players looking for a game outside of school hours.
This in turn led to the formation of the Turvey Park JRLC. Rudd remained a strong committee man until his boys finished their junior years. He then served as a Group 9 referee and coach before hanging up his officials badge and becoming a Judiciary member.
"Mick Rudd was a true Rugby League man - serving the game in many capacities,” NSW Rugby League Referees Association (NSWRLRA) Executive Officer Greg McCallum said.
“As a referee, Mick took onto the field a real feel and understanding for the game. He was a long- time active referee and referee coach and mentor in the Group 9 region.
“Following his ‘active’ retirement, Mick took on the Judiciary role where his fairness and understanding of the processes made him a highly respected member of what can be a challenging role".
Rudd’s funeral was held on 23 January at the Alan Harris McDonald Chapel, Copland Street, Wagga Wagga.
Skinner said the words from a verse read out at the farewell seemed highly appropriate: “If we have forgotten to show our gratitude enough for all the things you did, we’re thanking you now.”
The NSWRL and the NSWRLRA pass on their deepest condolences to the Rudd family and friends, as well as his Group 9 colleagues.
