News
Adam Gee has been appointed to the u16s State Of Origin Match between Queensland and NSW this Wednesday night, 21st May. The match is the curtain raiser to the big one, Game One of the State Of Origin series 2008.
In just 18 months in grade Adam has established himself as a competent and confident NSW Cup and Jim Beam Cup referee and this appointment is a just reward for his efforts. We wish Adam good luck in his match and hope this is the start of bigger and better things to come.
IN the game's centenary year Canterbury Referees recieved a glimpse into the past when a former member, Robert Lindsey Culkin, rejoined the association - at the age of 91. Robert originally joined the association in May 1943. He was graded in 1944 and went on to officiate in first grade, before retiring in 1949. Tony Danks from the NSWRL has confirmed that Mr. Culkin is the oldest living NSWRL First Grade referee.
Robert Culkin with Paul Archer.
Robert came to Sydney to play rugby league with South Sydney. But after he arrived he took up refereeing instead. He originally joined Western Suburbs Referees' Association, but district boundaries meant he had to resign from Wests and join Canterbury-Bankstown.
Robert's stories enthralled the members at a recent meeting with his vivid memories of a bygone era. One member asked Robert who was the best player he's ever seen. Robert's answer, without hesitation, was Mal Meninga. Later that night, much to the surprise of many people, Mal Meninga was named in the team of the century.
The members of Canterbury-Bankstown Referees' Association have welcomed Robert back with open arms and we all look forward to his membership for many years to come.
The Canterbury referees have kicked off the centenary year in style with a cocktail party last Friday evening, 7th March.
Almost 100 members and guests enjoyed the evening in the relaxed surroundings of the Terrace Bar at the Canterbury League Club Belmore. NSWRL Referees Development Manager, Mr. Tony Danks, thanked the association on behalf of the visitors for putting on such a function. The President, Mr. Paul Archer, gave a stiring speech in which he honoured past members, thanked present members and encourage future generations to build on the foundations that have been laid before them.
The social committee, together with Adam Gee and Chris Cafarelli, should be congratulated for organising such a successful function.
John McCormack has been elected a Life Member of the NSWRL Referees' Association. The members elected John at the association's 100th Annual General Meeting, which was held on Wednesday 5th December 2007.
John joins a band of hard working gentlemen, many from the Canterbury-Bankstown district, who have contributed to the head body's association over the years. John will also have the honour of being presented with his Life Membership Blazer in the association's 100th year.
We congratulate John for receiving this worthy recognition for the work he has done.
The 2007 Life Members' Reunion was held on Friday 21st September at the Canterbury League Club Belmore. Twenty seven Life Members enjoyed a successful function along with approximately forty other members and guests.
Brad Zarb was awarded the Clubb-Johnson Trophy after finishing a successful season as number one referee. The much anticipated Farrelly-Dick Trophy for Most Improved Referee went to Mark Zada and Peter Longhurst was awarded the prestigous Leo Randle Award for continued and dedicated service to the association.
The formalities were followed by the entertaing Sorbent Awards. Chris Cafarelli and Adam Gee managed to embarass fellow members with stories of misfortune and misadventure.
All the members are looking forward to the next social function, which will be the Golf Day on Sunday 4th November at Sefton Golf Course.
