Talented ref’s in a league of her own

Olivia Lawne lives and breathes rugby league, playing and refereeing five times per week.

Young Sporting Spirit nominee Olivia Lawne, 14. Pictures: David Swift

Olivia Lawne lives and breathes rugby league, playing and refereeing five times per week.

She played rugby league for the Winston Hills Tigers in the U10s, 11s and 12s – winning two premierships along the way – and was the only girl in the team.

Olivia referees for both the Paramatta District and Catholic competitions.

“It was great playing with the boys. There were never any arguments,” Olivia said.

“In my last year I was lucky enough to captain the team and come away with a premiership.”

Olivia, a Young Sporting Spirit nominee, was forced to quit league when she turned 13 as there was no all-girls competition or mixed teams.

She switched to football but missed playing league, so she began refereeing with the Parramatta District Referees last year to stay involved in the game.

This year she joined the new Hills Bulls all-girls team, who have remained undefeated so far.

“When the Bulls created the all-girls team I was so excited and couldn’t wait to get back on the field after a year off,” she said.

Now she trains twice a week with the Bulls, referees for the Parramatta District on Saturday mornings, plays her Bulls game in the afternoon and referees for the Catholic Rugby League competition on Sunday mornings.

“I am very busy, but I enjoy it,” Olivia said.

While refereeing can be challenging, Olivia said she enjoyed teaching players “the right and safe way to play footy”.

“Sometimes you might get the loud crowd who give you a bit of criticism, and the players might give you a bit of backchat, but you just need to ignore that and get on with the game,” she said.

The Young Sporting Spirit category is sponsored by Simonds Homes. To nominate someone visit juniorsportsstar.com.au.