Martin Smith is having the time of his life …
After patrolling the sidelines at a Physical Disability Rugby League exhibition game at the NSWRL’s ‘Inclusion Gala Day’ in March at Sydney Olympic Park, he’s moved up in the touch judge world.
The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks had Martin run the touch line at a Junior Rugby League played before and during halftime of their Round 15 NRL match against Dolphins at PointsBet Stadium last weekend.
It was part of the ‘Sharks Have Heart’ community program.
Tomorrow he will be active on the sideline again working with touch judges from the Cronulla-Sutherland District Junior Rugby League at their regular club games.
“One of their officials came up to us at the Dolphins game and said he could give Martin some weekend games,” his aunt Shareen Smith told nswrl.com.au
“He’s so pumped. He just can’t wait until tomorrow.”
The Cronulla JRL referees helped the Sharks kit Martin out with an official shirt, whistle and flag.
“He felt really a part of it because all the other referees that night had the same gear.
“He looked around and saw the other referees dressed like him and said to me ‘I’m going to be a part of that’.”
Martin, 15, lives with certain disabilities and difficulties due to a brain condition acquired at birth.
“It became evident that he couldn’t play like his brothers could, yet he still wanted to be a part of Rugby League,” Shareen said.
“So for some reason being a touch judge really captured his imagination. He watches them more than the players.”
The opportunities to enjoy his passion for refereeing has lifted his spirits and outlook, she says.
“Totally … he’s getting more active now. He wants to go out and do more walking and running.
“He wants to keep active and fit because someone might need him for another game.”
