This season has been one of many opportunities for our match officials, and it was another proud moment for two of our squad members in the final round of Hostplus Cup.
Lachlan Sutton (#73) and Matt Gannon (#74) both refereed their first matches, two of four officials to make their centre debut in the top grade this season.
With these opportunities, we're building the depth of talent that we've got available to choose from each week, which will increase the competition and the standard of performance across the board.
Lachlan Sutton, who refereed the 2022 Hastings Deering Colts grand final, was rewarded for his hard work and consistent performances, highlighted by his commitment to travelling from Gympie to Brisbane every week to train with our high performance unit squad.
He's a builder by day, running a building company with his dad, so he works hard all day and then comes to training with a great attitude and always gives it 100 per cent.
Both Matt Gannon and Lachlan Sutton have come through our carnival system from under 13s all the way through to the top grades and they've been pushing and competing with each other the whole way, so for them to debut in the same round is a nice sentiment.
We have a number of coaches involved in developing and supporting these two officials and the rest of the squad, including current Hostplus Cup and NRL referees.
The coaching our officials receive from their local associations is also critical to ensuring all officials, including those in our regional hubs, continue to earn opportunities in Hastings Deering Colts and other competitions.
We are now at the business end of the season, when the strong performances of our officials provides us with some welcomed selection headaches.
Whether you officiate in Hostplus Cup or community competitions, every official wants to be out there on grand final day.
It's a special feeling to be in charge of a grand final, but it's equally disappointing for those who miss out.
There's no better feeling as a referee when you are part of a cracking game of football.
It's always enjoyable to be part of the game but go unnoticed - that's the best compliment we can get.
But finals will not be the only matches coming up for our officials, with a number of carnivals still to come to round out the season.
I wish everyone good luck as we enter the final stage of season 2023.
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