Canberra Referees

24/09/2026

🏉 BRUCE CHAPMAN TROPHY — MOST IMPROVED JUNIOR REFEREE NOMINEES 🏉
�Over the week leading up to the CDRLRA Life Members & Annual Dinner Presentation Night on 26 September, we are going to announce the nominees for the perpetual trophies to be awarded on the night.

The Bruce Chapman Trophy is awarded annually to the member who has shown the most improvement in refereeing ability over the course of the season, with consideration also given to attitude and attendance at training, seminars, meetings and coaching nights. Eligibility is open to members who predominantly refereed Junior League matches throughout the season.

Each of these referees has shown real dedication and growth on the field this year. Congratulations to all and good luck! 👏

23/09/2026

🏉 HODGE FAMILY SENIOR ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD NOMINEES 🏉

Over the week leading up to the CDRLRA Life Members & Annual Dinner Presentation Night on 26 September, we are going to announce the nominees for the perpetual trophies to be awarded on the night.

The Hodge Family Award is presented annually to a member the Board determines should receive an encouragement award for services to senior refereeing.

Each of these referees has shown real dedication and commitment to their development in senior refereeing this season. Congratulations to all and good luck! 👏

23/09/2026

🏉 NEVILLE "CHIEF" HARRADINE JUNIOR ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD NOMINEES 🏉
�Over the week leading up to the CDRLRA Life Members & Annual Dinner Presentation Night on 26 September, we are going to announce the nominees for the perpetual trophies to be awarded on the night.

The Neville "Chief" Harradine Award is presented annually to a member the Board determines should receive an encouragement award amongst the junior referees.

Each of these referees has gone above and beyond this season. Congratulations to all and good luck! 👏

22/09/2026

🏉 HENDERSON FAMILY TOUCH JUDGE AWARD NOMINEES 🏉
�Over the week leading up to the CDRLRA Life Members & Annual Dinner Presentation Night on 26 September, we are going to announce the nominees for the perpetual trophies to be awarded on the night.

The Henderson Family Touch Judge Award is presented annually to the member the Association's members deem worthy of the award, with consideration given to teamwork, attitude, knowledge of the game and willingness to learn. Eligibility is open to members who have completed Touch Judge duties from U16 through to First Grade, with the vote afforded to Referee Coaches and referees who have coached or officiated in the centre with Touch Judges appointed.

Each of these officials has brought real teamwork, sharp game knowledge and a great attitude to the line this season. Congratulations to all and good luck! 👏

22/09/2026

🏉 TRAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES 🏉�
Over the week leading up to the CDRLRA Life Members & Annual Dinner Presentation Night on 26 September, we are going to announce the nominees for the perpetual trophies to be awarded on the night.

The Trainer of the Year award recognises the member selected by our trainer for their outstanding attitude, commitment and attendance at training throughout the season.

Each of these referees has shown real dedication to their own development, showing up week after week with the right attitude and effort. Congratulations to all and good luck! 👏

21/09/2026

🏉 JIM MAHONEY TROPHY NOMINEES 🏉
�Over the week leading up to the CDRLRA Life Members & Annual Dinner Presentation Night on 26 September, we are going to announce the nominees for the perpetual trophies to be awarded on the night.

The Jim Mahoney Trophy is awarded annually to the member the Association's members deem to have made the most outstanding contribution of service to the Association, with particular emphasis on service over and above the normal expectations of any member.

Each of these referees has gone well beyond the call of duty in service to our Association this season. Congratulations to all and good luck! 👏

21/09/2026

🏉 NEVILLE NORRIS SHIELD — ROOKIE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES 🏉
Over the week leading up to the CDRLRA Life Members & Annual Dinner Presentation Night on 26 September, we are going to announce the nominees for the perpetual trophies to be awarded on the night.

The Neville Norris Shield recognises the member who has performed to the highest standard of refereeing ability, relative to their new accreditation level, over the past season.

Each of these referees has shown outstanding growth, composure and commitment as they've taken on the whistle for the first time. Congratulations to all and good luck! 👏

17/09/2026

Great to see Phil Stuart, Life Member #12, get recognised for a fantastic career! He continues to have a huge impact on our association to this day, being an influence to every referee making their way through the ranks.

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 Phil Stuart, a proud product of the Canberra Referees Association and graded official #754.

Phil made a strong contribution to rugby league as a Touch Judge and In-Goal Judge, representing Canberra with distinction in the NSW graded ranks.

Across his career, Phil officiated 64 NSWRL First Grade games as a touch judge, along with 10 First Grade games as an In-Goal Judge. He also earned a representative tour appointment in 1992, officiating in the Great Britain Lions v Canberra tour match.

His first grade debut came in Round 9, 1989, when the Canberra Raiders played the Parramatta Eels at Seiffert Oval. His final first grade match came in Round 22, 1993, when the Gold Coast Seagulls played the Eastern Suburbs Roosters at Seagulls Stadium.

Phil’s contribution to refereeing did not end on the sideline. He has remained a highly respected figure in the Canberra refereeing community for decades. He became a referee in 1980, was made a Life Member in 1990, and has continued to serve the association through leadership, mentoring and support of officials.

His name also appears across the Canberra Referees honour rolls, including Referees Referee in 1985 and 1986, Senior Encouragement winner in 1982, and the Jim Mahoney Shield for Outstanding Service to the Association in 2018.

A first grade touch judge, in-goal judge, tour match official, Life Member, mentor and proud Canberra referee — Phil Stuart has made a lasting contribution to rugby league officiating and helped keep the game moving.

Who will be featured tomorrow? Stay tuned!

17/09/2026

🏆 Canberra Raiders Cup Grand Final Appointments

Congratulations to everyone appointed to a Grand
Final this Saturday! To be appointed to a Grand Final is a massive achievement, and is a recognition of a season of hard work and commitment. 👊

Make sure to show your support to our match officials this Saturday at Seiffert Oval! 🔥

16/09/2026

Thank you Trisha for the support!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1XiHGmVUmN/

The men in the middle as well as the ladies !!!!

Every Grand final has its heroes.
The players who put their bodies on the line.
The coaches who spend countless hours prpeapring thier teams.
The families and supporters who cheer from the sidleines.

But there is another group who are an important part of every game - The referees.

They run the field , make the calls , keep the gamer moving and, sometimes have the toughest job of all.

The Canberra & District Rugby League Referees Association provides officials across Canberra and the surrounding districts, with referees coming from all walks of life- from students and workers to former players.
On Grand Final Day, the pressure is even greater.
Every decision is watched. Every call is heard.

So,, when the two Queanbeyan sides run out at Sieffert Oval, remember the people in the middle too.

RESPECT THE WHISTLE. RESPECT THE ODFFICIALS.RESPECT THE GAME.