The NSWRL was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of NSWRL and NSWRL Referees Association Life Member, Phil Elliss, aged 90.
Elliss began his career as an official with the Public Services Referees and joined the Manly Warringah Referees Association before being graded as referee number 580 by the NSWRL Referees Association.
He controlled five first grade games during the 1967 season and pursued a successful career as a touch judge after that.
After Elliss made the decision to hang up the whistle, he became a successful administrator. He was first appointed to the NSWRL Referees Advisory Board where he assessed graded referees.
He later became involved with the NSWRL Referees Coaching Panel where he helped coach touch judges and helped manage Rugby League Schoolboys Carnivals.
He was made a life member of the NSWRL Referees Association in 1978 and a NSWRL Life Member in 2004.
NSWRL Referees Association Executive Officer, and former Rugby League referee Greg McCallum, said Elliss had an impact on the careers of many officials including himself.
“He was a good communicator with young people and was able to get the message across to young people about refereeing,” McCallum said.
“He never really pushed himself into the limelight. He was happy to stay in the background, he was a team player and people admired him for that.
“He came through an era where there were some really strong personalities, but he maintained a respectful manner in dealing with people.
“That’s what people liked about him, he was very respectful.”
The NSWRL passes on its sincere condolences to his wife Dorothy, and many family and friends.
