Junior referee and Territory talent Zoe Grotaers wants to officiate in 2032 Olympics

A junior referee identified as one of the most promising talents in the country has revealed her dreams of officiating in the 2032 Olympic Games – and what it will take to get there.

A junior Territory referee has set her sights on officiating in the 2032 Olympics after being identified as one of the most promising talents in the country.

Zoe Grotaers was selected to take part in the World Rugby Educators course in Melbourne before travelling to Sydney to attend a two-day female Match Official Leadership Program.

It’s a rapid rise for the 19-year-old whose officiating journey began in 2019 when NT Referees Association president Rob Taylor called out for more match officials.

Grotaers, who was representing the NT in the National Youth 7s at the time, has developed a passion for whistle blowing.

She has since become a staple of the NT rugby scene and with the high quality program under her belt has her eyes set on taking her talents interstate, and eventually the Olympics.

“I just love it. It’s hard to explain why I do it, but just being around everyone on the field and involved in a tight-knit group means a lot to me,” Grotaers said.

“I only got into refereeing at the end of 2019 while on tour for the National Youth 7s – Robbie was trying to recruit some more numbers – but it’s become something really important to me.

“Going down to the educator’s course in Melbourne and then over to Sydney was amazing.

“This program allows me to referee at a few different comps interstate and hopefully I’ll get to Townsville, Toowoomba and Cairns on exchange and that’s an exciting opportunity.”

Young up and coming NT Rugby referee Zoe Grotaers. Picture: Leithal Pictures

And with Brisbane poised to host the Olympics in 2032 she hopes she can be a part of the world’s biggest sporting event when it comes to Australia.

“I’ve only ever refereed 15s but as a player I really enjoyed 7s and I’d love to be involved in the Olympics (Brisbane 2032) in some capacity as a referee when that comes to Australia,” she said.

“Whether it’s on-field stuff, as a fourth or fifth or even as a TMO, that’d be an amazing experience.”

But for now Grotaers, and her fellow NT referees, have their hands full with a jam-packed final round of Darwin senior and junior rugby.

The Casuarina Cougars are on track to complete an unbeaten regular season when they clash with South Darwin, while University Pirates will look to bounce back from a 31-29 upset loss to Dragons.

The Cougars have wrapped up the minor premiership, but Pirates and Rabbitohs are both still in the running for second place.

NT Rugby chief executive Nathan McDonald said the competition was in a really good place with plenty of exciting results.

“It shows just how close and competitive this season has been, even with Casuarina being in a strong position,” McDonald said.

“I’m really looking forward to how our finals series plays out and also seeing referees such as Zoe take on these finals fixtures.

“We’ve got an excellent group of both junior and senior referees emerging and I’d encourage anyone who’s considered picking up the whistle to get in touch and give it a go.”