Wayne Lees, who refereed the Women’s League Tag Division one grand final between Kiama and Jamberoo, has just returned from officiating at the 2018 Tag World Cup at Coffs Harbour.

During Lees’ second World Cup, he officiated 11 matches, starting with the under 16 girls Australian and Cook Island match and ending with the over 35 men’s final between Australia and Lebanon.

“I loved every moment of my time, including being run off my feet in the under 21s Lebanon and Philippines match on Saturday night, up in Coffs Harbour,” Lees said.

“Especially having the chance to referee a grand final – which I now ranks as the highlight of my career.

“On top of that, the comradery all us referees have together at these sort of tournaments is one of the reasons we keep coming back and why I’ve now set a goal of going to the 2021 World Cup, which will potentially be in Ireland.”

Lees, who loves the fitness component of the sport, attributes a lot of his success to mentor Scott McLeod, saying “I wouldn’t be where I am today with him.’

But Lees’ busy ‘off-season’ isn’t over yet, with him returning to Coffs Harbour for the Oztag Nationals next month before State Cup in March.

“Now that I’ve refereed a open women’s final and open mixed final, I’ve got my eyes set on an open men’s final on the international stage,” he said.

“But before, I’m going to focus on improving my craft, starting with nationals next month.”

Wayne Lees wasn’t only South Coast product to officiate a final in Coffs Harbour, with former-Group Seven referee Bernie Nolan controlling the men’s over 50s final between Ireland and Australia.

In other Group Seven referees news, four officials have recently been named as part of the 2019 NRL emerging education academy program.

Reigning Group Seven referee of the year Karra-Lee Nolan is one of the hub coordinators, while Kyle Mounfield, Taleasha Freeman and Eleanor Drury are all participants – with Ryan Micallef a coach.

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