Rugby League World Cup: Referee Belinda Sharpe to officiate in men’s and women’s games at international tournament
Belinda Sharpe will officiate in men’s and women’s games at the international tournament in England. Read what her dad Alistair Sleeman has to say about her appointment.
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It won’t only be players flying the Central Queensland flag at the Rugby League World Cup, which kicks off in England on Saturday.
Rockhampton product and history-making referee Belinda Sharpe is among the 28-strong contingent that will officiate across the men’s and women’s tournament fixtures.
It is the second appearance at the international tournament for the 35-year-old, who was a touch judge at the 2017 edition that was played in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
CQ trio Cameron Munster, Ben Hunt and Harry Grant are part of the Australian Kangaroos’ squad.
Five CQ Capras’ players will also be in action, with Radean Robinson selected for Italy, Aaron Teroi representing the Cook Islands and Zev John, Nixon Putt and Mckenzie Yei lining up with PNG.
David Faiumu, who is a member of the Capras’ coaching staff, has travelled with the New Zealand team.
Belinda made history in July 2019 when she became the first female referee to officiate in an NRL game - the Round 18 clash between the Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium.
She has since gone on to referee the women’s State of Origins, the 2021 NRLW grand final and countless Q-Cup games.
Her dad Alistair said it was great for Belinda to add to her international rugby league experience.
She and her fellow officials will be based in Manchester for the duration of the World Cup.
“She’ll let us know when she gets an appointment and we’ll be watching those games,” Alistair said.
“She has international experience, with the World Cup in 2017 and refereeing the Australian Jillaroos and the Kiwi Ferns in 2019.
“She’s had a pretty good year again this year. She’s going along strong and we’ll see what next year brings.”
Alistair said Belinda was striving to be an NRL middle ref.
“That’s her aim,” he said.
“She’s done the pocket ref in quite a few games (when the NRL had two referees), but she hasn’t refereed on her own - yet.
“She’ll never stop, she wants to keep going and go as far as she can.
“Most male refs get up into their 40s but with females we just don’t know because it’s not been done before. It’s all new ground.”
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Originally published as Rugby League World Cup: Referee Belinda Sharpe to officiate in men’s and women’s games at international tournament
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