Belinda Sharpe ready to make history as NRL’s first female ref

As is typical these days, the keyboard morons have started their criticism before a whistle has been blown — but rugby league history maker Belinda Sharpe won’t let anything stand in her way.

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Belinda Sharpe is ready for the gender vitriol and spite but won’t let it take her mind off the job at hand.

“I know people will have their opinions about me being out on the field but I can’t let any of that affect me,” she said.

Sharpe will become the first female to referee an NRL game in rugby league’s 111-year history when she officiates in Thursday night’s match between Brisbane and Canterbury at Suncorp Stadium.

And in the lead-up to kick-off, the rugby league pioneer will steer clear of the online criticism that has already begun.

Sharpe knows she will be under even greater scrutiny. Image: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

“I try not to read anything on social media,” Sharpe said. “People are always going to have their opinions. I try to not to focus on what anyone else thinks.

“Once you’re out in the middle, you don’t hear a lot of criticism from the crowd and that’s probably a good thing.

“Times seem to be changing in recent years. With the introduction of the NRLW last year and women’s State of Origin, people have become more accustomed to seeing more females in the game and they are enjoying it.

After so long complaining about the system, surely this is a welcome change. Image: Toby Zerna

“Times are changing and people are coming around to the way the game is evolving.

“I don’t know if I’ve hit too many barriers along the way. I suppose it has been challenging in that there haven’t been any females at this level before. Everything seems to be new or a first.

“At training every day, I’m just seen as another referee and that’s certainly the way we like it to be.

“I don’t think I receive any more or less (criticism) than any other official but not anything necessarily towards my gender.”

Graham Annesley knows the game needs to change. Image: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

NRL coaches said Sharpe would be under pressure at Suncorp Stadium.

“She has to be judged and scrutinised just like any male referee,’’ one coach said. “I don’t think coaches will go easy on her if she makes a mistake just because she’s a female.”

Sharpe didn’t feel she would be analysed any differently to the men.

“I don’t think there will necessarily be any more scrutiny than any other referee,” she said.

“I don’t want to think there is any more or less pressure on me doing my job than any other official.

The game you love is still the same, whoever’s blowing the whistle. Image: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

“It’s important to know I have been put there to do a job and that’s what I have got to do.

“What I do know is there has been a lot of support in the last 24 hours and most people genuinely want to see you do well.

“It’s not too dissimilar to a player where you have a goal in mind and you put all your energy and focus into achieving that.

“There is certainly a lot of training that goes into to being a referee, both physically and mentally.”

Sharpe said she hadn’t encountered excessive chauvinism from male players, fans or officials since starting her journey in Rockhampton.

“It’s certainly a high pressure environment but I will be going out there to do my job,” she said.

“There has been a rise in women being involved in the game right across the board over the last number of years. That provides a nice balance and that’s a good thing for the game.”

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg fully supports Sharpe being given an opportunity to referee in first grade.

“I know how hard Belinda has worked to get to this point and she thoroughly deserves her appointment,’’ he said.

“This is a historic moment for the game and one which should be celebrated.”

Sharpe will referee alongside the experienced Ben Cummins.