The Castlereagh League referees kicked off their 2026 season with a weekend focused on growth, connection and development, with former NRL referee Gavin Badger and True Blue Andrew Ryan playing key roles in guiding a pre-season development camp in Gulgong.
Held on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 April, the camp brought together 20 referees from across the region, combining theory sessions with live match experience during the Castlereagh League pre-season Knockout.
Badger, drawing on his extensive experience across the NRL, pathways and community Rugby League, worked closely with Castlereagh referees to deliver real-time feedback and mentoring across the two days.
On Friday night, Badger and Ryan led a session focused on communication, decision-making and game management, reinforcing how core refereeing principles apply across all levels of the game.
"The practical structure of the Castlereagh camp, with basic formal learning combined with mentoring from a respected figure like Gavin Badger integrated into matches, provides a fantastic springboard into the season for both new and experienced referees," Head of Community Rugby League Peter Clarke said.
With Castlereagh League spanning a vast area from Cobar to Gulgong, the annual pre-season Knockout provides a rare opportunity for referees to come together, connect and develop as a group.
The camp featured a strong mix of experienced officials and emerging talent, including five brand-new referees taking their first steps into officiating within a supportive environment.
Across the two days, referees were able to immediately apply their learning in match situations, building confidence and sharpening their skills under the guidance of experienced mentors.
The success of the camp highlights the Castlereagh League’s ongoing commitment to referee development and the continued growth of Rugby League across the region.
