Former NRL hardmen Michael Weyman and Nigel Plum have swapped the footy boots for the whistle after returning to their local clubs in regional NSW to officiate games.
Plum and Weyman, who are officiating for Group 20 and Group 16 respectively, believe they have been given the perfect opportunity to guide the next generation of upcoming players.
Plum, who made 150 appearances for the Sydney Roosters, Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers, is refereeing games for the local Group 20 competition in the Greater Western and Bidgee region.
Having been an official when he was young - refereeing in Wagga Wagga while playing touch football - the former front rower discussed the benefits of going back and officiating his local football competition.
“What I find is as much as you’re being a ref, you’re still being a coach while refereeing,” Plum said.
“It really helps the boys while I’m on the field as I understand the rules and give good explanations to the kids.”
Plum, who began officiating Junior League games when his son started playing in 2018, loves having the opportunity to give back to the community to help the next generation of NRL players.
“For me to be able to come back to the country and pass my knowledge on, it’s only going to benefit the kids” Plum explained.
“I want to see growth and development in the kids footy out in the bush and for me to be in this position to do this gives me the satisfaction that the game is growing and developing.”
“I’m happy to give back as much as I can.”
True Blue Weyman is no stranger to giving back to the community with his family being a main contributor to their hometown of Moruya for countless years.
He now officiates in the Group 16 Minor Leagues in the Greater Western and Bidgee region, teaching young players the importance of respecting referees while officiating games.
“I guess that is one thing I can pass onto the kids when they are talking to the referees.”
“it’s a tough gig. Without refs you don’t have a game.”
“I know exactly where they are coming from when you get frustrated when playing sports and you are fatigued and that is something I try to push onto them.”
Both Mick and his late father Ack Weyman – who sadly passed away in 2019 – have set a good example for the football community in Moruya, with both having a bronze statue erected in their honour at Ack Weyman Oval.
“I love to give back to grassroots footy and the Moruya community in general,” he said.
“I was told when I first moved away never forget where you come from because one day you’ll be back there, and I’m living proof, here I am doing it all over again and I’m really enjoying it along the way.
“Letting kids know there is a pathway there to make it into the NRL.”
“Having myself and my brother around, we are living proof that it can be done.”
