NRL history will be made this weekend when Belinda Sharpe and Kasey Badger become the first females to referee under the single-referee system.
Sharpe will take charge of the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Wests Tigers clash on Friday, while Badger has been assigned the Gold Coast Titans vs. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs game on Sunday.
Rugby league fans may recall Sharpe already officiating a match under the old two-referee system, but this round will mark the first time female referees have operated under the single-referee system.
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Belinda Sharpe and Kasey Badger to make NRL referee history
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo acknowledged Sharpe and Badger's dedication, with their respective appointments a result of hard work and consistency.
"I congratulate Belinda Sharpe and Kasey Badger for making history with these appointments," Abdo said.
"Kasey and Belinda are professionals and have shown dedication and discipline in their development. This is an historic moment for them and for the game."
NRL general manager of elite officiating Jared Maxwell also believes that their success will be a source of inspiration for young girls across rugby league.
"Both Belinda and Kasey have dedicated themselves to continual improvement and professional growth," Maxwell added.
"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.
"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."
Who is Belinda Sharpe?
Sharpe took up refereeing at the age of 18 but her career as a sports journalist took priority at the time.
She then progressed up the ranks and made her NRL debut as a touch judge in 2014, taking part in 195 matches in that role since.
Friday won't be the first time she has made history, though — she became the first female referee in NRL when she officiated a Round 18 game between the Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2019.
That was one of eight matches she refereed under the two-referee system.
Sharpe's other significant referee achievements include officiating multiple women’s State of Origin matches between 2019 and 2023, taking charge of two NRL women’s premiership grand finals and refereeing the men’s World Cup match between England and Greece in 2022.
Who is Kasey Badger?
Like her female colleague, Badger has spent plenty of time on the sideline as a touch judge, featuring in 161 NRL matches.
She has also officiated as a Bunker review official in 43 games.
Her experience refereeing in the NSW Cup saw her promoted to the NRL's group of full-time officials in 2019.
Since then, Badger has taken charge of the NRLW grand final on three occasions, while also refereeing the men’s World Cup match between Tonga and Wales in 2022.
Full referee appointment list for NRL Round 27
The complete list of referees assigned for every match this round will be released on Tuesday afternoon.
