13/10/2026
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 recognise Brien Gately, Graded Member #667—a proud representative and Life Member of the Manly-Warringah Referees Association and one of rugby league’s most accomplished touch judges.
After beginning his refereeing journey in country rugby league, Brien joined the Manly Referees Association and progressed through the ranks to become a trusted first-grade and representative official.
Brien made his first-grade touch-judge debut in Round 6 of 1980, when North Sydney defeated Balmain 6–4 at North Sydney Oval. It began a remarkable top-grade career that would include 266 first-grade appearances as a touch judge.
Brien was also appointed as an in-goal judge for the 1990 NSWRL Grand Final, in which Canberra defeated Penrith 18–14 at the Sydney Football Stadium.
His final first-grade appointment came in Round 17 of the 1992 season, bringing to a close more than a decade of outstanding service at the highest level of the game.
Brien’s contribution did not finish when he left the field. He remained an active and valued member of the refereeing community, supporting association events, preserving its traditions and contributing to the fellowship between generations of officials.
His service has been recognised through Life Membership of both the Manly-Warringah and NSW Rugby League Referees Associations. In 2025, Brien received the prestigious Eric Cox Medal, awarded to a Life Member who has continued making a significant contribution to the NSWRL Referees Association for at least ten years after receiving Life Membership.
His legacy also continues through the Brien Gately Award, presented by the Manly-Warringah Referees Association.
Who will be featured tomorrow? Stay tuned!
