Conversations around the water cooler at work have become more animated recently whenever NSWRL referee Damian Brady wanders by.
Brady (pictured Right above) made his NRL debut this year as a touch judge in the Round Five match between the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and Newcastle Knights at Mudgee in April.
“I was just so excited for the occasion because it’s something I’m sure everyone wants to achieve,” Brady told nswrl.com.au after winning the 2023 Grade Referee of the Year at the gala Brad Fittler Medal dinner in Sydney this week.
“I achieved it in an incredible game – a 32-all draw – the first one in three years.
“So it was an awesome experience an I’ve kicked it on with another nine games this year.”
Brady has also been handling games in Jersey Flegg Cup and The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup in 2023.
So his weekends are pretty full and there’s no respite when he returns to work on Mondays.
“I do have a full-time job away from Rugby League. I work in banking at Macquarie Bank but there is a pathway there now for me in refereeing,” he said.
“That is something I want to pursue and make it to the NRL full-time if I can.
“But for now there’s lots of talk at work depending on whose team won or lost – I do find I have to explain a few decisions. It’s always an interesting conversation on a Monday morning.
“But we have a couple of Knights fans in the office at the moment so everyone is pretty excited.”
Brady was joined on the winners’ podium at the Brad Fittler Medal awards dinner by Brayden Hunt, who took out the 2023 Junior Reps Referee of the Year.
He handled this year’s UNE SG Ball Grand Final and last weekend’s Newcastle Reserve Grade final.
“I’ve only been refereeing for six years so it’s been quite a big progression in a short space of time, which I’m very grateful for,” Hunt said.
“I’m very hungry and determined to strive to get better and I hope I continue to do so.”
Hunt’s mum was the one who convinced him to give refereeing a go.
“The physicality of it ... I love the training involved in being a referee, the mates I’ve formed and the connections,” Hunt said.
“It’s also helped my communication skills a heap. I’m only 21 so still fairly young but refereeing has helped me in other life areas – it’s been massive for my growth as a person as well.
“I know people think about the abuse and that sort of stuff as a turn-off.
“But you build your confidence up as you stand behind your decisions. I’d recommend people give it a go, especially as a way to stay involved in the game.
“You see a lot of people give up playing and they regret it.
“Refereeing is a different perspective and I’d highly recommend it.”
