Top referee Roberts dies

KEVIN Roberts is being remembered as one of rugby league’s greatest referees after his death aged 76.

Nicknamed “Bilko’’, Roberts oversaw 272 first-grade matches including three straight grand finals from 1983.

The Sydneysider, who represented South Sydney in his playing days, also refereed six State of Origin clashes and four Tests in the 1980s.

“Refereeing lost one of its finest,” NRL referees boss Tony Archer said of Roberts, who mentored many referees when he retired.