#1025 – Robert Morey Calls Full Time
Graded member #1025 has announced his retirement from the NSW High Performance Grade Squad. A young Robert, began his refereeing career in the Parramatta District in 2010, following his older brother Johnathan, taking up the whistle the previous season. He spent his first few seasons, very keenly developing his skills in the mini-mod competitions, showing promise along the way and moving onto the international age groups in quick time.
This was evident through him being awarded the 2010 & 2011 NRL Junior Achievement Awards. His work ethic and developing skill set saw him being identified early. With nurturing and ongoing coaching, Robert progressed into the Junior Rep Squad in 2016, starting off strongly on the line and progressing towards central referee appointments.
During his long association with Parramatta Referees, Robert has won numerous on-field awards including the Jack Argent Patron’s Trophy in 2019 for refereeing the District’s number one game, the 2016 Bob Jones Most Improved Senior Award, the 2013 John Roe Junior Referee of the Year Award and being named a three time winner of the Referees’ Referee Award (2018, 2019 & 2020). He was also recognised for his service to the Association by receiving the prestigious William ‘Darkie’ McCall Award in 2020.
When Robert was asked about his career he said “I’ve tried to not reflect on the career aspect of it too much.”
When asked about his career Morey says “What a whirlwind it’s been” he goes on to say “Memories I will trasure and building those accountaibilty ethics & process will stay with me forever”
Robert was a strong performer in Junior Reps, attaining numerous notable appointments including being the In Goal Judge on the 2018 SG Ball Grand Final and a Touch Judge on the 2019 Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership Grand Final. He also officiated at the 2018 U18’s National Championships.
After a successful time in the Junior Reps Squad, which also included him being named the Les Matthews’ Rookie of the Year in 2016 (first year in the squad) he was graded in 2020. Although his first season in Grade was a disrupted one due to Covid, he performed strongly and was rewarded with the Tertiary Cup Grand Final as a Referee. In a difficult time for all referees, Rob’s grading wasn’t formally announced until the 113th NSWRLRA AGM, where he was presented with his certificate alongside good friend Jack Bird by NRL Referees’ Coach Jared Maxwell and Association Ambassador Brian Barry at Canterbury Leagues Club.
In grade, Robert has been a constant contributor both on and off the field. In his five seasons in the Squad, he amassed over 100 combined matches. A remarkable feat considering the early interruptions. As he calls full time on his time in the NSW High Performance Squad he finishes his career with the following:
- 104 total games
- 13 Ron Massey Cup lines
- 32 Sydney Shield lines
- 19 Jersey Flegg centres
- 40 Jersey Flegg lines
To those that have taken on a refereeing journey, you will know how much of an up and down rollercoaster ride it can be. This has been no different for Robert and he should be extremely proud to have achieved what he has done in the game. Very few referees progress to the Grade Squad and even less are able to sustain the diligence and hard work it takes to achieve 100 plus games like Robert has. Congratulations on a great career Robert and all the best for your future endeavours.
