Illawarra Rugby League Referees

U13-2 GRAND FINAL APPOINTMENT

Congratulations to Cameron Harrison, Jacob Masi and Ethan Cole on their appointments to this weekend’s U13-2 Grand Final between Wests and Helensburgh at WIN Stadium.

Cameron Harrison will take charge in the middle, with Jacob Masi and Ethan Cole appointed on the touchlines.

It’s a great reward for the work all three officials have put in throughout the season, earning the opportunity to be part of Grand Final day at WIN Stadium.

Saturday 12 September | 9:30am
WIN Stadium

Congratulations to Cameron, Jacob and Ethan on the appointment and all the best for the big one.

Proudly supported by Dwyers Truck Centre and Warrigal Charters .

U14-1 GRAND FINAL APPOINTMENT

Congratulations to Alexander Sjostedt, Keira Rejske and Indie Mutch on their appointments to this weekend’s U14-1 Grand Final between Shellharbour and Wests at WIN Stadium.

Alexander Sjostedt will take charge in the middle, with Keira Rejske and Indie Mutch appointed on the touchlines.

A strong reward for the work and development shown by all three throughout the season, earning the opportunity to officiate on Grand Final day at WIN Stadium.

Saturday 12 September | 1:00pm
WIN Stadium

Congratulations to Alexander, Keira and Indie on the appointment and all the best for the big one.

Proudly supported by Dwyers Truck Centre and Warrigal Charters .

U15-2 GRAND FINAL APPOINTMENT

Congratulations to Beau Rejske, Samuel Shaw and Kai De Francesco on their appointments to this weekend’s U15-2 Grand Final between APOF and Helensburgh at WIN Stadium.

Beau Rejske will take charge in the middle, with Samuel Shaw and Kai De Francesco appointed on the touchlines.

It’s another well-earned opportunity for all three officials, recognising the work, consistency and development they’ve shown throughout the season.

Saturday 12 September | 2:10pm
WIN Stadium

Congratulations to Beau, Samuel and Kai on earning their place on Grand Final day.

Proudly supported by Dwyers Truck Centre and Warrigal Charters.

16-1s GRAND FINAL APPOINTMENT

Congratulations to Hayden Harrison, who has been appointed referee for this year’s 16-1s Grand Final.

Hayden will be joined by Addison Gaskell and Jake Arntzen on the touchlines, with both second-year referees continuing an outstanding year of development and progression.

For Hayden, the appointment is a well-earned reward after six seasons with the whistle and three consecutive years of merged finals appointments.

Congratulations to all three officials on earning their place on Grand Final day.

Read the full story: https://linktr.ee/idrlra

Proudly supported by Dwyers Truck Centre and Warrigal Charters .

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, grandfathers, father figures and families across the Illawarra Referees community.

Whether you’re on the sideline, behind the scenes, driving to games or simply supporting from home, your encouragement plays a huge part in helping our referees enjoy and grow in the game.

We hope you have a great day with family and friends.

Congratulations to the 2026 Ron Massey Cup Grand Final Officials
Referee - Micheal Ford
Touch Judges - Nathan Loveday & John Woods
In Goal Judges - Blake Williams & Salvatore Marigliano

A major milestone for Micheal Ford, who has been appointed to referee the 2026 Ron Massey Cup Grand Final.

From being named the Illawarra’s leading First Grade referee in 2020 to earning a Grand Final centre in the NSWRL graded ranks, Fordy’s journey continues to go from strength to strength.

We caught up with Micheal to reflect on representing Illawarra, the lessons refereeing has taught him and his ultimate ambition of reaching the NRL.

Read the full story here: https://linktr.ee/idrlra

Proudly supported by Dwyers Truck Centre and Warrigal Charters .

Continuing with our new daily series: Behind the Whistle!
Each day, we’ll shine a spotlight on a referee or touch judge who has helped shape, serve and contribute to the great game of rugby league.

Today we centre our attention on Sean Villa, a proud referee, touch judge and in-goal judge from the Illawarra district. Sean gained his Schoolboy ticket in 1981 whilst a student at Woodlawn College at Lismore. He moved back to his birthplace, Illawarra, in 1985 and gained his Senior Referee's Certificate.

He successfully stood for the position of Assistant Secretary in 1994 but soon found himself promoted to Secretary upon the resignation of Mark Crampton from that position. He remained in the role for two years before standing down to focus on his Sydney Grade career.

Sean refereed the local Third Grade Grand Final in 1991 and was a First Grade Grand Final Touch Judge in 1990 and 1993. He was also appointed as a touch judge in the Jersey Flegg Grand Final of 1993 and the Harold Matthews Cup of 1993 and 1994.

Upon returning to the Illawarra League in 2001 he was appointed by the CRL as a Touch Judge in the Annual City versus Country fixture, this being the fourth such appointment to an Illawarra member in as many years as Steve Brown had been appointed in each of the previous three years. Sean did not return to the Association after the 2002 season but after an absence of thirteen years he rejoined and for the following three years was an integral member of the Match Day Assessment Team as well as the CRL Advisory Panel.

In 2019 he focuses all of his attention on the NRL Pathways Programme including coaching and assessment of NSWRLRA Graded members.

Who will be featured tomorrow? Stay tuned!

GRAND FINAL APPOINTMENT | GT OPEN GOLD

Congratulations to our team appointed to the GT Open Gold Grand Final between Corrimal and Helensburgh.

Referee: Amelia Sheppard
Touch Judge: Addison Gaskell
Touch Judge: Jake Arntzen
CMO: Thomas Inness
PGC: Micheal Inness

A massive occasion and a thoroughly deserved appointment for the entire team. Congratulations to Amelia, Addison and Jake — enjoy the opportunity and represent the association proudly!

Proudly supported by our Major Sponsors, Dwyers Truck Centre and Warrigal Charters .

GRAND FINAL APPOINTMENT | GT U16 GOLD

Congratulations to our team appointed to the GT U16 Gold Grand Final between St Georges Basin and Dapto.

Referee: Beau Rejske
Touch Judge: Jethro Barber
Touch Judge: Jack Price
CMO: Thomas Inness
PGC: Micheal Inness

A great reward for the hard work put in throughout the season. Congratulations to Beau, Jethro and Jack on earning their place on Grand Final day. Best of luck to the entire team!

Proudly supported by our Major Sponsors, Dwyers Truck Centre and Warrigal Charters .