The ref and player siblings set for remarkable grand final day
They are the Burleigh brothers set for the NRL’s biggest day … but for very different reasons.
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THEY are Burleigh’s twin brothers set for the NRL’s biggest day … but for very different reasons.
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Hayden Schwass, 24, will on Sunday at 1.35pm line up in the backrow for Intrust Super Cup side the Bears in the NRL State Championship clash against Newtown.
At 4.05pm at ANZ Stadium Daniel Schwass gets his turn, but instead will team with lead official Kasey Badger to referee the NRLW decider between the Broncos and Dragons.
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That cocktail of excitement means the Schwass clan will gather around their Gold Coast TV projector to watch their boys fulfil a footy dream.
“It was a massive surprise,” Daniel said of his selection.
“You work for this all year and to get the grand final is massive and I’m excited for it.
“(Hayden playing) is another exciting part of it and I know all those Burleigh boys.
“So to watch a bit of their game before we start will be awesome. Hopefully they get a win.”
Daniel’s ascent to the NRLW grand final is even more remarkable given he only returned to the referee ranks for the first time since juniors at the start of last year.
By the Round 2 of this year he made his Intrust Super Cup debut.
“It’s all falling into place and I have made that most of my opportunities,” he said.
Daniel insists the calm head that saw him get through his own career at the Bears will hold him in good stead on Sunday.
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“I’m not really one for nerves,” he said.
“But on the big stage there will be a few more people there than I’m used to.”
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