GRAND finals are always big occasions for players, coaches and fans, but there’s a forgotten group who are just as excited to be on the biggest stage.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Orange’s refereeing prodigy Billy Greatbatch took control of Sunday’s Group 10 grand final between Orange CYMS and Oberon Tigers, and from all reports he acquitted himself with distinction in front of a huge Wade Park crowd.
But he had some help in the form of NRL referee Matt Cecchin.
What started as a mentor-mentee relationship between the two has turned into a friendship, and Billy was delighted to see a friendly face heading his way with a water bottle in hand on Sunday.
“An incredible moment to have one of my best mates running me out water in my first first grade grand final,” Billy wrote on Facebook.
“Wouldn't see too many first grade referees running water for a nif nuf in the country.”
It wasn’t a unique effort from Cecchin, who was also sighted at a grand final in Wagga on Saturday showing his support to the referees there.