Hotham will control his second consecutive league tag decider, this year’s game between Bathurst St Pat’s and the Blayney Bears, while Greatbatch has been appointed to another under-18s grand final, his first being last year’s cracker won by Orange Hawks.

The pair of young guns will be joined by veterans Jason Whitney and Nathan Blanchard, the latter earning a remarkable eighth premier league grand final gig in nine seasons – his first was St Pat’s memorable win over Mudgee in 2008.

Last year’s premier league referee, Whitney will be in charge of the first division game between CYMS and Panthers.

Blanchard was thrilled to be reinstated as the game’s best referee with another grand final appointment, after he took home the referee of the year award at the Group 10 Player of the Year night in Bathurst last week – an accolade awarded by the Group executive and players and coaches.

But what’s more pleasing for Blanchard is the emergence of both Hotham and Greatbatch, both development squad members while the latter has run touch lines in the Holden Cup in 2016.

“Bryce has completed his level two this season and has been refereeing really well … both deserve their appointment on Sunday,” the Bathurst-based Blanchard said.

“These guys have been coming through the grades now for a few seasons, Billy obviously has had a few premier league games as well.

“It’s great for the association to be able to give big games to young referees.”

Greatbatch and Lithgow’s Chris Redding will run the touchline in the premier league fixture, which kicks off at 2.30pm at Wade Park.