‘NRL is the dream’: 18-year-old has sights set on game’s biggest stage

18-year-old Bridie Prendergast has already achieved great success in her short time as a rugby league official. Now, she has her sights set on the game’s biggest stage.

Bridie Prendergast (left) alongside fellow TRL officials, has her sights set on the big time, in the NRL. Picture: Contributed by TRL Referee Association.

Bridie Prendergast is taking charge in a male-dominated field – blazing a trail for women like her to follow.

The Kingaroy-born 18-year-old is one of Queensland’s leading rugby league officials – officiating at the grassroots, state and national level.

As she rises through the ranks, Prendergast hopes to one day officiate at the highest level of the game.

“The goal is to ultimately become a touch judge in the NRL,” Prendergast said.

“There are so many great opportunities in league at the moment and being a female and having the NRLW growing like it is, there will be heaps of things I can do.”

Currently studying health, sport and physical education at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Prendergast makes the trip to Toowoomba each weekend to officiate in the TRL.

Bridie Prendergast (foreground) refereeing at the recent U15/18s School Girls competition. Picture: Contributed.

“The TRL is perfect as it has a really good women’s competition that I’ve been able to officiate, and I’ve just started doing games for the under-19s too” she said.

“It’s (refereeing) crazy and very full on all at the same time.”

Being an official was always on the cards for Prendergast with her family entrenched in local footy.

Taking the next step was a ‘no-brainer’ once she saw her older sister give it a go.

“I played footy for 10 years, but it wasn’t for me,” she said.

“I’d be taken to footy at the weekends and since I didn’t want to play anymore and

Brenna (older sister) had started reffing, and they (TRL) were in need of a touchy I thought I’d give it a go and I’ve been loving it ever since.”

Prendergast did say that the role isn’t for everyone, noting you need to be disciplined and have thick skin to survive.

“When all my friends are going out or doing something I usually have to say, ‘No, I’ve got footy in the morning’,” Prendergast said.

“I don’t mind it though, I enjoy reffing and you need to be disciplined.

“We have been taught how to act when comments are made towards you by spectators or players, and education on how to control your emotions.”

The budding NRL referee also explained the importance of match officials, and that the game is always in desperate need of more.

“Without refs there’s no game,” she said.

“I know that the TRL are always after more officials and local leagues in general are always asking for more help, so I’d say to anyone that’s thought about it they should definitely put their hands up and give it a go.”