Female referees for NRL
the Melbourne Storm on the left edge, Harris is unfazed by the move.
‘‘It’s something that I’ve done a lot. The last four years in Melbourne I was playing on the left. So whatever the team needs me to do I’m willing to do
GETTY IMAGES/PHOTOSPORT
it,’’ he said.
‘‘He’s still got to do his own job, no one else is going to do it for him. Part of our role around him is to be able to communicate well and help him in that respect.’’ The NRL is ‘‘edging closer’’ to a groundbreaking appointment of a female referee in a regular season match after encouraging performances from Belinda Sharpe during the preseason.
Sharpe and Kasey Badger, who is married to NRL referee Gavin Badger, both shape as potential debutants at some point this season, according to senior referees manager Bernard Sutton.
Sharpe, who is based in Brisbane, was in charge of the Broncos’ trial against Wynnum Manly last month along with Matt Noyen and performed to a level which has Sutton confident she could take the next step in first grade later this season.
‘‘We saw her officiate two games across the trials and she did quite a commendable job,’’ Sutton said.
‘‘We are monitoring her development and she will continue to referee the Queensland Cup again this weekend.
‘‘She did a good job in the trials and there is no doubt that we are edging closer to that moment.’’
That moment will only come when either Sharpe or Badger have earned the nod on merit.
Sutton said they wouldn’t want to break new ground any other way.
‘‘What I know from both Kasey and Belinda is that when they do get that opportunity, it is because they have achieved it on their merits,’’ he said.
‘‘We are really confident with their progression and we will monitor that and see where that takes us.’’
Top official Matt Cecchin is in the same boat as Sharpe and Badger.
He will return to rugby league through the Canterbury Cup this weekend and like the two women pushing for a debut, he will not be rushed into first grade either.
‘‘He’s been away from the game for a while now, he’s refreshed and that’s something we are looking to help him with over the next few weeks,’’ Sutton said.
‘‘I am really confident we can keep Matt in a positive headspace and he will be a valuable contributor across the season.’’