NSWRL Major Competitions referee Daniel Luttringer had no idea his father was a kind of Nostradamus ahead of his NRL debut game between the Warriors and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Accor Stadium in July.
And Junior Reps referee Mitchell Pitscheider had no idea that all the challenges he’s faced since joining the match officials brigade back at age 13, would lead to recognition at the 2024 Brad Fittler Medal dinner.
Luttringer (pictured above) was awarded the NSWRL Grade Referee of the Year and Pitscheider (below) the Junior Representative Referee of the Year at the function held at The Star earlier this month.
“It means a lot as it’s a combination of so many things along the way – all the choices and sacrifices you have to make like family commitments. There’s so many little things about being a referee so many people don’t see or understand,” Pitscheider told nswrl.com.au
“All those choices led to an award like this, which is really cool to see. It’s like a light at the end of the tunnel especially for a job that can be pretty harsh.
“Everything in the past has shaped me – every obstacle, every hurdle, every challenge – has led me to this.”
Luttringer smiles remembering his father’s words ahead of becoming NRL Official #168 in Round 18.
“My dad said before the game – and he’s more of a soccer person – ‘Good luck and see you in 90 minutes’ not really knowing how long an NRL game goes for. And then it ended up being 89 minutes anyway.”
Only a field goal from True Blue Matt Burton could separate the two sides in the ninth minute of extra time in one of the best matches of the season.
“To get your (NRL) debut is a fantastic thing but that kind of game made it more special.”
Luttringer started refereeing 15 years ago in the Parramatta District.
“I actually started as an indoor soccer referee because I always played it. But I also always went to the Rugby League with my Nanna and Pop as a kid – Parramatta Stadium - for years.
“You look back and think of all the people you meet along the way, the personalities, the hours you put in, the holidays and kids birthdays I’ve missed. But it’s been definitely worth it.
“Being in the best seat in the house is pretty good but I also enjoy the challenge. I’m a teacher by nature but refereeing challenges me more than anything else I’ve ever done.
“It’s the most mentally challenging thing keeping track of the tackle count, identifying all the tackles, remembering players’ names, working the 10 metres. It’s just 80 minutes of challenges but I love every minute.”
Pitscheider started in the South Sydney District, following in the footsteps of his older brother Joel.
“I started off when I was 13. I wasn’t really allowed to but because I was so keen and eager, and my brother was reffing as well, they let me do it.
“I was playing Rugby League up until I was about 16, so doing both.
“You don’t just have to play footy to be engaged in it. I thought officiating was the one for me – I always loved the idea of adjudicating on things.
“And I had an understanding of some of the frustrations for players so I’m ready when they come up to me to argue.”
