QRL confirms match officials for grand final day

Author: Michael Hillier QRL Media
Timestamp: Tue 20 Sep 2022, 06:01 PM

The Queensland Rugby League is pleased to announce the match officials for Saturday’s grand finals at Moreton Daily Stadium.

Jarrod Cole will lead the officiating team following confirmation today of his appointment to referee his third Hostplus Cup grand final.

This match will be Cole’s first Hostplus Cup grand final in the single referee format, having previously been appointed to the 2016 decider as an assist referee and the 2017 grand final as the head referee.

Cole is now one of the most experienced referees in the competition, with this weekend’s match between Redcliffe Dolphins and Norths Devils his 135th game in the middle.

State match officials manager Clayton Sharpe is backing the big match experience of Cole, who also officiated in the 2018 and 2019 grand finals as a touch judge.

“Jarrod is very experienced in finals series matches and has officiated to a consistently high standard all season,” Sharpe said.

Steve Kanowski and Dan Munroe will support Cole on the lines for the clash at Moreton Daily Stadium.

For Kanowski, it is his sixth grand final appointment as a touch judge (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014).

“Steve has been involved in the QRL High Performance Unit for 25 seasons and this appointment is testament to Steve’s ability to not only perform to a very high standard over many seasons, but also his willingness to grow and adapt with the game,” Sharpe said.

Lachlan Sutton will referee the Hastings Deering Colts grand final with Isaac Freeman and Cody Kwik the touch judges.

Sharpe has been impressed with the achievements of the 2022 squad.

“This year we’ve seen a number of state-based and NRL match officials move between Hostplus Cup and the National Rugby League,” Sharpe said.

“This has seen an increase in competition between our match officials and has contributed to a consistently high level of officiating performances.”