Belinda Sharpe made rugby league history this season when she became the first woman to referee an NRL game.
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If the production line of young female officials in the country is anything to go by Sharpe could well be leading a revolution.
With rugby league celebrating women in league round this weekend, Group 10 Referees Association president Nathan Blanchard was thrilled to see the influx of female whistle blowers in the ranks continue their meteoric rise.
Orange-based referees Reba Scott and Rebecca Rogers have both been appointed to control their first semi-final games, in the under 11s and under 14s respectively.
With the support of Tatiana Bosma (Bathurst) and Elli Wilson (Orange) on the touch lines, women in league will be out in force at Blayney on Saturday.
While in the seniors Amy Draper (Bathurst) and Rogers, again, controlling under 18s and league tag games across Saturday and Sunday.
Both Draper and Rogers both made a switch of codes for the winter from touch football to league and both very much enjoy the new challenge.
Blanchard couldn't be prouder of not only these girls appointed this weekend, most of them in this first or second season of rugby league, but also all the other officials involved in Group 10's senior and junior competitions from week to week.
"It's a big plus to have women in league and this girls certainly can referee and have a massive future in the association," Blanchard said.
"We are obviously always looking for more referees to be involved."
Anyone interested in picking up a whistle next season can contact the association on Facebook or group10refs@gmail.com
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