Referees Belinda Sharpe and Kasey Badger will make history this week when they become the first female match officials to solo referee NRL games.
Sharpe will referee the Sea Eagles-Wests Tigers game on Friday night, while Badger will referee the Titans-Bulldogs match on Sunday – the first time in the code’s history a woman has been the only match referee.
Belinda Sharpe will become one of the first women to referee an NRL match on Friday.Credit: NRL Photos
Sharpe has refereed eight NRL matches under the two-referee system and has been a touch judge in 195 NRL games, while Badger has been a touch judge in 161 NRL games and officiated as a bunker review official in 43 matches.
It has been a long time coming for both Sharpe and Badger, who have officiated in the NRLW, women’s State of Origin and the Rugby League World Cup for more than four years.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said it was a great achievement.
“Kasey and Belinda are professionals and have shown dedication and discipline in their development. This is a historic moment for them and for the game,” Abdo said.
Referee Kasey Badger during a reserve grade match.Credit: NRL Photos
NRL head of football Graham Annesley said both referees had persevered with their careers despite the extra pressure of being pioneers.
“Kasey and Belinda have both been exceptional officials and it’s so pleasing that they have both continued to develop so well,” Annesley said.
“As pioneers, they have had to deal with added pressure through their careers. But they progressed through the refereeing pathways diligently, and patiently waited for the opportunity.”
NRL head of officials Jared Maxwell said Sharpe and Badger proved women can pursue a career in the league.
“Their progression is a direct result of the strong pathways that we have. But what is also clear is the impact both Belinda and Kasey have had on the pathways themselves as they have progressed,” Maxwell said.
“The influence of Kasey and Belinda has inspired young girls to take up refereeing. Many more will be inspired again when they see them refereeing this weekend.”
