Vale John Topp: A loyal friend who brought joy to many
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The Queensland Rugby League family today pays tribute to John Topp, a “fiercely loyal friend” and mentor to so many people across the game.
Those that were fortunate enough to know him well would attest to the impact he had on their lives, both personally and professionally.
But he didn’t just make an impression on close friends and family.
Players he refereed during the ultra-competitive Brisbane Rugby League era, countless work colleagues, and your everyday punter at local footy grounds all treasured the opportunity to talk to the man affectionally known as “Toppy”.
He loved everything about the incredible rugby league journey he embarked on with the support of his loving parents, Cecil and Margaret.
And people within the game loved him and his family back.
The ‘John Topp package’ offered plenty, a friendly warmth, a unique ability to mentor; and more than the occasional quick witted-comment that raised a few eye-brows in the work office.
He could make people laugh and relax, often the perfect tonic around the high-pressured rugby league environment.
Topp’s many traits are being remembered and celebrated following his passing this week at the of 59.
State match officials manager Clayton Sharpe said he “was more than a referee, coach or mentor”.
“He was a fiercely loyal friend who was always available to offer compassion, advice or just a listening ear,” Sharpe said.
“I was lucky enough to be in his ‘stable’, and he supported me all the way through my officiating career from community level to Queensland Cup and NRL, and then to make the transition to state manager.
“He taught me so much about being a leader, but above all, putting the person first before the referee.
“Toppy leaves a big hole in our hearts but an even bigger legacy for refereeing in Queensland.”
During his time dedicated to the game, Topp worked tirelessly and efficiently as the juniors and referees executive member and QRL referees operations officer, before transitioning into the role as referees high performance coordinator.
A constant by his side over many years was Eddie Ward, one of the game’s most accomplished referees.
“I have known Toppy for over 40 years and the friendship we have will always be treasured and remembered,” Ward said.
“It was an honour to work with him in developing high performance pathways for referees in Queensland.
“We are all the better for knowing Toppy. The guidance and friendship that Toppy gave to all people that he ever came across was unconditional and unforgettable.
“Let’s celebrate not only Toppy’s impact on our lives but the joy, laughs and happiness he brought to all of us.”
Along with Ward, other mentors who made an impact on Topp’s refereeing career included the late Richard Johnston and Nick Euclid, as well as Bob Ward and Geoff Mines.
Many outside the refereeing fraternity always had time for Topp as well, including Adrian Vowles, who has a life time of experience in the game as a player, coach and administrator.
“You and your mum and dad treated me like family. I always enjoyed our chats and catch ups and rugby league was always the talking point,” Vowles wrote in a social media post.
“You gave your soul and more to the QRL when you were there and left a massive footprint when you left.”
Clinton Begg, a current QRL director and former referee, echoed those sentiments.
“Toppy’s contribution to rugby league is unmeasured, with many awards in his name,” Begg said.
“While Toppy knew rugby league, he also understood people. His ability to relate to a junior referee and a senior coach was attributed to his caring nature and interest in seeing people succeed.”
As a mark of respect, Topp’s contribution will this weekend be celebrated at the highest level of the game.
Jared Maxwell, NRL general manager of elite officiating, confirmed all match officials involved in Round 13 of the NRL will wear black armbands.
“John was instrumental in all the Queensland-based NRL fulltime referees reaching the levels they have,” Maxwell said.
“John was very much involved in the development, identification and coaching of many referees through the QRL system.
“Many of these referees have tasted success at the highest state level, as well as NRL level, with incredible support from John.
“But more than this, John was a mentor for many. He was the sounding board that many of us went to for advice, not only on rugby league matters, but life in general.”
Queensland match officials will also wear black arm bands across QRL fixtures, where the Topp name will no doubt inspire the next generation to reach the highest level, like current NRL match official Liam Kennedy.
“Toppy cared about the person not the referee,” Kennedy said.
“He made sure your life was balanced so that you could perform at your best.”
