NSWRL High Performance Referees squad member Kieren Irons will make his NRL debut as the central referee in Friday night’s St George Illawarra Dragons v Redcliffe Dolphins clash at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.
The appointment is the latest milestone for Irons, who has spent the past 12 years in the NSWRL High Performance Referees Squad and has established himself as a leading official.
Irons, who celebrated his 300th NSWRL Major Competitions game last weekend, has seen his year go from strength to strength.
Earlier this season he earned his first opportunity in the middle at the top-level during the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge. He has continued to impress across both NSWRL Major Competitions and NRL touch judge appointments, before now being rewarded with his NRL Telstra Premiership debut.
NSWRL Referees High Performance Manager Stuart Raper said Irons’ achievement is the result of years of dedication.
“Kieren is the perfect example of what sticking to the process looks like,” Raper said.
“Every year we have new members graded into our High Performance Squad, and Kieren has shown that if you stay committed to the process and continue to improve, these are the opportunities that can come your way.”
Irons’ NRL debut is another success story for the NSWRL High Performance Referees program, highlighting the pathway available for officials.
“He has been a leader within our HP squad for a number of years, and this milestone is a well-deserved reward for a number of high-quality performances over an extended period.
“We are all incredibly proud to see his hard work pay off as he takes the field on Friday night.”
