Parramatta Referees Association Celebrates Excellence at 2024 Awards Night
The Parramatta Referees Association held its much-anticipated Annual Awards Night, a grand evening filled with celebration, camaraderie, and recognition of excellence. Held on November 1 2024, the event featured a series of special guests, performances, and awards, honoring the achievements of our referees, coaches, and volunteers.
The highlight of the night was a live Q&A session with former NRL offical Nicholas Beashel and current NRL & Parramatta Referees life member Zbigniew Przeklasa-Adamski. Both shared insights, stories, and wisdom from their storied careers, inspiring the audience and shining a spotlight on the dedication required to excel in officiating. The evening also featured captivating live performances by the talented Natalie & Mat, with saxophonist Bruno enhancing the ambiance.
Pictured: Mathew Picone, Zbigniew Przeklasa-Adamski & Nicholas Beashel
The awards portion of the evening recognised outstanding accomplishments across multiple categories, celebrating both emerging and seasoned referees. Among the notable moments was Ken McNaught breaking a record by becoming the first person to win the prestigious Darkie McCall Award three times, a historic achievement that underscores his commitment to excellence in officiating.
In addition to recognising individual awards, custom-designed medals were presented to all referees, gala day referees, and the coaching panel, symbolising the unity and dedication of the Parramatta Referees community.
Pictured: Coaching Panel presented with custom made medals
The night featured a “Referees Referee” suspense build-up, with regular updates on the points tally. This annual honor culminated with Harrison Bayssari earning the title for his outstanding sportsmanship and contributions to the Association for the 3rd year in a row.
Interviews were conducted throughout the night by SportsShedTV, adding a nice touch to the proceedings and ensuring each story was captured.
2024 Award Winners
Rookie of the Year: Marcus Rowe
The Rookie of the Year Award was first presented in 2007. The award recognises a referee who has excelled in their first full season in refereeing; thereby establishing themselves as a noted member of the Association. The recipient applies themselves appropriately to training, meetings and on-field facets of the Association. They go above their calling as a referee and demonstrate the qualities that will help them develop into a first class match official. The inaugural winner of the award was Gavin Role, since that time, a number of the recipients have gone on to referee at high levels within the district, some of which have also gone onto represent the Association in inter-district competitions
John Roe Junior Referee of the Year: Adam Allouche
Pictured: Adam Allouche with NSWRLRA Board Member Steve Clapson
The Junior Achievement Award otherwise known as the Junior Referee of the Year Award was first presented in 1982. After the sudden passing of long-term life member, John Roe the Junior of the year award was dedicated to the late John Roe. John played an integral part in the association for upwards of 20 years. He had an interest in the development of our junior referees, believing that the continued success of the association relied on the ‘next generation’. John had served multiple years as an active referee, member of the executive, coaching staff, appointments panel and other sub committees within the association. The inaugural recipient was Wayne Howarth. Wayne is also the leading recipient of the award, winning it three times in total. The award is voted upon by the Junior Appointments Panel, taking into consideration those junior referees that have shown great improvement and therefore deemed to be the best performed throughout the course of the year.
Junior Touch Judge of the Year: Lachlan Bradley
The Junior Touch Judge of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition for young officials who have shown outstanding dedication, skill, and promise in their role as a touch judge. This award celebrates a junior official who has consistently demonstrated accuracy, focus, and commitment on the sidelines, contributing significantly to the quality of each game. It acknowledges the hard work, growth, and sportsmanship of junior touch judges, who are essential in ensuring fair play and supporting referees in managing the field. This award not only honors their achievements but also encourages their continued development and future potential in officiating.
Senior Touch Judge of the Year: Mr Bailey Clark
The Senior Touch Judge of the Year Award honors an experienced touch judge who has demonstrated exceptional skill, reliability, and professionalism throughout the season. This award recognises a senior official who consistently supports referees by making accurate, decisive calls, showing a deep understanding of the game, and maintaining focus under pressure. The recipient exemplifies leadership on the sidelines, often serving as a mentor for newer officials and contributing to the overall integrity and flow of each match. This award celebrates their commitment to the sport and acknowledges their crucial role in upholding high standards in officiating.
Most Improved Junior of the Year: Alessio Schiavone
Bobs Jones Most Improved Senior of the Year: Lachlan Smith & Mathew Picone
Pictured: Mathew Picone with Ken McNaught
Bob Jones was Club Secretary of Parramatta Leagues for a period of ten years. He was also a most esteemed member of the Parramatta Referees’ Association. He was Patron of the Association from 1977 until 1985. He was made an Honorary Life Member in 1978. Upon his departure from the Association as Patron in 1985, he set in motion the means to present an annual award to the “Most Improved Referee”. This award is voted upon by the coaches and takes into account all aspects of refereeing. This is a very sought after award and many members who have won this award have gone on to achieve higher honours in refereeing. The award has five winners that have gone on to make the NRL as an on-field officials.
Ernie Bull Trainer of the Year: Samuel Alkhatib
In 2003, Stephen Ellison was presented with the inaugural “Trainer of the Year” Award. Subsequent to the passing of Ernie Bull, this award was appropriately renamed the “Ernie Bull Trainer of the Year” Award and presented to Barry Cummins in 2004. Ernie Bull joined the Parramatta Referees’ Association in the early 1960’s. Ernie was a long time servant of the Association, giving more than 40 years of service up until his passing in 2004. He spent large periods of times in the roles of Trainer and as the Appointment Board Secretary. His contribution was recognised in 1976 when he was elevated to the status of Life Member. Ernie served as the Association’s Trainer from 1985 to 1987. The legacy that he has left for refereeing in Parramatta can be seen today with the number of members whom he developed, still giving back to the Association.
Referees Referee Medal: Harrison Bayssari
Pictured: Harrison Bayssari with Junior League General Manager Adam Fairley
Since 2007, the Association’s active referees have voted on a 3, 2, 1 basis to determine who they believe is the Referees’ Referee. In 2024 the award become the Referee's Referee Medal. The medal recognises a member who is a leader both on and off the field. Aspects such as on-field performance, participation at training, leadership and the referee’s demeanour culminate in the determination of the Referees’ Referee. Current NRL member Zbigniew Przeklasa-Adamski was the inaugural recipient of the award in 2007. This award is considered as one of the most prestigious awards with the winner having the satisfaction of being voted as a worthy recipient by his or her peers. To be recognised by your peers is one of the most satisfactory honours to be bestowed on an active referee.
Kevin Jeffs Coach of the Year: Ethan Murray
Kevin Jeffes was a Life Member of the Parramatta, NSW and Australian Referees’ Associations. He joined Parramatta Referees’ in the 1950’s, quickly rising through the ranks on the field to grade and immediately showing a willingness to contribute to all aspects of refereeing. His on-field career took him as high as test match status as a Touch Judge. Kevin was awarded Life Membership at Parramatta in 1961. During his time with the Association he served as a Referees’ Coach, Secretary (1982-1991) and was the Association’s Patron throughout the early stages of the 21st century. In honour of his dedication to developing referees, the Association was donated a plaque to use as the “Kevin Jeffes Coach of the Year” Award. It was fitting that the first recipient of the award was Ken McNaught in 2009. Ken’s dedication to the role of Director of Refereeing & Development cannot be matched.
Kasey Badger Female Referee of the Year: Maisy Macarthur
Pictured: Maisy Macarthur with Olivia Lawne
Kasey Badger started her refereeing journey with Parramatta Referees in 2004. She developed her craft in Parramatta before being graded in 2011 after refereeing the SG Ball Grand Final. Kasey made her NRL debut on the touchline in 2015. In 2022, she became the very first female to referee an International rugby league game when she refereed the World Cup Tonga vs Wales fixture. Kasey is a pioneer in rugby league, having become one of the first ever female referees to officiate a first grade rugby league game in 2023. The Kasey Badger Female Referee of the Year Award recognises a female member who has excelled in their refereeing throughout the season on & off the field.
Parramatta Junior Representative Referee of the Year: Mr Bailey Clark
This award recognises an official in the junior representative program who has displayed strong leadership, a commitment to both their rep and district duties and improvement in their officiating across the season, it's someone in which had become a true leader & role model that upholds the truth values & standards from within the Association.
Darkie McCall Service Award 2023: Ken McNaught
Darkie McCall Award 2024: Harrison Bayssari
The William ‘Darkie’ McCall Award was first presented in 1981 to Ian McCall. Ian’s father William was an early pioneer of the Association. The award is presented annually at the Life Members’ & Presentation Evening to a member that has exceeded all responsibilities in their contribution to the Association during the previous twelve months. The award is voted on by the Executive via a secret ballot. Candidates are assessed for their attendance, improvement, demeanour and special acts.
Jack Argent Patrons Trophy 2024: OIivia Lawne
Presented to the first female referee to officiate the number one district game in the Parramatta Junior Rugby League, an unprecedented milestone in our 77-year history. In 1982, the Jack Argent Trophy was established. It would be later known as the Patron’s Trophy. Jack Argent was a Parramatta Club stalwart and Honorary Member for Life of the Parramatta Referees’ Association. He served as Patron of the Association from 1986 up until his passing in 2004. In 1989, the Association honoured Jack with the aforementioned award of Honorary Life Membership. The Patron’s Trophy has historically been presented to the Referee who officiates the A Grade 1st Division Grand Final, the match considered to be the District’s highest appointment.
Gala Day Referee of the Year: Michael Williams Tofu-Tau
Pictured: Michael Williams Tofu-Tau with Michael Karam
The Gala Day Referee of the Year Award is a newly introduced honor in 2024, celebrating referees who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, skill, and adaptability. This award recognises the invaluable role referees play in upholding the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship, especially as competition formats continue to evolve, with less grand finals due to the NRL player development framework (PDF) which is in place. It highlights those who not only excel on the field but also show dedication to growth, professionalism, and supporting their fellow officials. The award reflects our appreciation for the referees who go above and beyond to ensure each game runs smoothly, enhancing the experience for players and spectators alike.
Special Recognition Awards
1. Bernard Biala – Celebrated for reaching 1,000 games officiated.
2. Maisy Macarthur & Brooke Munro – Recognized for their exceptional work on Parra Refs TV.
3. Christopher Craig & Ken Nader – Honored for going above and beyond in their contributions this season.
4. NSWRL – Acknowledged for their ongoing support of our Association.
5. Tim Gray – For his photography, capturing the spirit of our referees.
6. Adam Fairley – For his continued support of our Association.
7. Daniel Luttringer - For his NRL debut on the touchline
The evening was a resounding success, highlighting the hard work, resilience, and passion of our referees. We are immensely proud of our award winners and look forward to continuing to foster a community of excellence and support in season 2025!
