Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) announced Belinda Sharpe as the organisation’s first female referee, 111 years since the code’s establishment. She is a former sub-editor for the Australian Courier Mail newspaper.
“I just loved rugby league growing up and I played touch football, ended up refereeing touch footy and made the transition from there, the game has been my passion and now I’ve turned that into a full-time career.”
– Belinda Sharpe, speaking with NRL.
The 31-year-old debuted her career at Suncorp Stadium for the Broncos V Bulldog confrontation last Thursday night.
“This is a historic moment for the game and I’m so happy for Belinda. She has worked extremely hard, served her apprenticeship, and earned her elevation on merit.”
– Graham Annesley, NRL’s Head of Football.
Image: @bel_sharpe, Instagram
“The players are used to seeing me out there since I’ve been doing it for a few years now so they don’t treat me any differently.”
– Belinda Sharpe, speaking with NRL.
Belinda has worked in each stage, from a touch judge with the NRL to the Queensland Cup and the Women’s State of Origin, in the past 13 years as a referee. During the Men’s 2017 World Cup she officiated 4 tests, she also took the reigns with international fixtures at the women’s rugby league. However, the arbitrator in the field was never a woman – Belinda defines the position as “high pressure.” However, she insists her gender is meaningless to her achievement.
Banner Image: @bel_sharpe, Instagram
