Behind the scenes of Belinda Sharpe’s day ahead of NRL game

Belinda Sharpe made history becoming the first female referee to control a first grade match — and she was highly praised fr her efforts. The Sunday Telegraph take you behind the scenes in the lead up to see how she prepared for the big day. WATCH THE VIDEO.

• Female ref Sharpe impresses on debut
• Sharpe steers clear of online criticism

The day began with a 6am alarm waking Belinda Sharpe for the biggest day of her life.

A taxi ride from Sydney’s northwest to the airport and the NRL’s first female referee was on her way to create rugby league history.

Sharpe is the 31-year-old former newspaper subeditor who turned to refereeing because her dad thought the physicality of playing the sport as a teenager was too much.

And it was her father, ­Alistair, who abandoned a north Queensland fishing trip to present Sharpe with her jersey before the big game.

Belinda Sharpe packs her kit before the biggest moment in her life. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Unforgettable moment: Sharpe is presented with her game jersey in the referees’ rooms. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

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“It was such a special moment given his unwavering support of my career and our very close relationship,” Sharp said.

“My mum (Cathy) and husband (Clayton) were there too.”

In a season of rugby league upheaval, the Sharpe appointment became the feel-good story of the season. And the busiest day of her life.

A swim to loosen up after the flight. Japanese for lunch. A coffee in the afternoon and a rest in the hotel room before the ride to Suncorp Stadium to control the Broncos v ­Bulldogs clash.

Before the game, she unwinds with a quick swim in the pool. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Sharpe was presented with a card of congratulations and a bottle of bubbly. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The referees filling up on a Japanese lunch before a big night ahead. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

A bottle of Bollinger, a gift from Suncorp Stadium boss Alan Graham, was waiting in the change room.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk came by to say hello. League legends ­Andrew Johns and Glen ­Lazarus congratulated her.

“There were certainly some nerves,” Sharpe said.

“It seems only natural to feel nervous before a big game such as a debut — but I think nerves are positive because it means you want to perform.”

Belinda is congratulated by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

She was impressive controlling her first match. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Belinda having a drink and wiping the sweat away. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

She headed into the tunnel at full-time to a standing ovation. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Afterwards there were more media commitments and recognition from hard-marking rugby league fans that she had performed well.

“It was fantastic, it was everything I could hope it would be,” Sharpe said.

Finally to bed around 1am. And no more dreams of one day refereeing an NRL game.

Mission accomplished.