The NRL has appointed Belinda Sharpe as the first woman to referee a top-grade men’s rugby league match in Thursday’s fixture between the Broncos and the Bulldogs at Lang Park.
Sharpe, who has been an NRL touch judge since 2014, said she hoped her appointment would pave the way for more women to take up refereeing
NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley has praised the increasing profile of women’s rugby league in Australia, including the launch of the NRLW and the women’s State of Origin.