NZRL Referees Award Keenly Contested   3 Feb 2016

NZRL Referees Award Keenly Contested

In the days leading up to tonight's 2015 NZRL Awards, we've taken a look at the finalists in each category. Today, we look at Match Official of the Year, taken out by Anthony Eliott last year …

Eliott is back to defend this title this year, but faces a challenge from two strong contenders from further down the country.

Adam Burns (Southern)
Burns capped his 2015 season by presiding over both the Canterbury RL and South Island Premier grand finals. It was the fifth time in his career he had controlled the Canterbury final.

He also officiated over the two NZ Universities v Australian Universities tests in Christchurch and Greymouth, and three rounds of the NZRL National Premiership.

“Adam has always been supportive of his fellow referees and encouraging in his interaction with them,” says NZRL Southern Zone general manager Steve Martin.

“In 2014, he was the South Island trainer for referees and even though he was busy officiating this season, he still found time to support other referees in their development.

“It is fantastic that a referee of his capability has come back to the game that he loves and is not only officiating, but continuing to give back to his fellow referees.”

Anthony Eliott (Akarana)
The defending Match Official of the Year has put together another strong portfolio this year, highlighted by his performances in the NRL grades.

Eliott was touch judge in 15 NRL premiership fixtures and ran the lines for the Holden Cup (U20) finals, including the grand final. He rates this as the highlight of his career.

He also represented New Zealand at international level, as touch judge for the 2015 Anzac Test in Brisbane, and has become a role model for NZ-based officials at the elite level.

Harry Lysaght (Mid Central)
Lysaght is better known for his recruitment and training of local referees in the lower North Island than his own exploits with the whistle.

“Like most zones in new Zealand, we have struggled to recruit and retain our referee numbers,” says NZRL Mid Central general manager Lisa Reweti. “Harry has created an attractive atmosphere for referees within the Manawatu.

“All referees are continually tested, and encouraged to build on their knowledge and experiences. Harry has managed to build his referee numbers to over 40 in the past 18 months.

“He has also expanded the ability for the zone to call on these referees for events throughout the year and this has extended to national events also. He is a valued and treasured member of rugby league within MCZ.”

Who will take out the Match Official of the Year at tonight's 2015 NZRL Awards?

Finalists in all categories are:

Female Volunteer of the Year – Leanne Anderson (Southern), Mere Davis (Upper Central), Mel Mather (Southern), Jeanne O’Brien (Mid Central)

Male Volunteer of the Year – Marty Brown (Northland), Peter Butler (Mid Central), Simon Itula (Wellington)

Grassroots Club of the Year – Glenfield RL (Akarana), New Lynn Stags (Akarana), Pacific Sharks (Upper Central)

Domestic Coach of the Year – Darrell Coad (Canterbury), Grant Pocklington (Akarana), Rod Ratu (Counties Manukau)

Match Official of the Year – Adam Burns (Southern), Anthony Eliott (Akarana), Harry Lysaght (Mid Central)

16s Player of the Year – Soane Hufanga (Akarana), Hayze Perham (Upper Central), Josh Uta (Counties Manukau)

18s Player of the Year – Tarquinn Alatipi (Wellington), Rory Ferguson (Southern), Ata Hingano (NZ Warriors)

Premier Player of the Year – Nick Read (Upper Central), Matthew Sauni (Canterbury), Raymond Talimalie (Counties Manukau)

Junior Player of the Year – Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm), Daniel Levi (Newcastle Knights), Tuimoala Lolohea (NZ Warriors)

Women’s Player of the Year – Sarina Fiso (Counties Manukau), Teuila Fotu-Moala (Counties Manukau), Georgia Hale (Akarana)

Kiwis Rookie of the Year – Jordan Kahu (Brisbane Broncos), Kodi Nikorima (Brisbane Broncos), SioSiua Taukeiaho (Sydney Roosters)

ENDS

Add a comment