Harrison Bayssari Elevated to NSWRL High Performance Squad

Parramatta Referees is proud to announce that Harrison Bayssari has officially been graded into the NSWRL High Performance Squad, receiving the prestigious number #1044 – a milestone that marks the next chapter in what has already been a remarkable officiating journey.

Harrison began his refereeing career with the Parramatta Referees Association in late 2015 at just 13 years old. He would then be recognised as the Association’s Rookie of the Year – the first of many accolades that would follow. His impact was immediate, and his drive undeniable. In 2017, he was awarded Trainer of the Year, a title he would go on to reclaim in 2022. His early rise continued when he was named the John Rowe Junior of the Year in both 2018 and 2019 – an honour reserved for members showing great promise and consistent commitment.

Featured: Harrison named as referee for the U14's Elite State Schools Grand Final in 2019

Harrison’s contribution to the Association has not only been as an on-field official. Since 2020, he has served on the Executive as the Association’s Executive Officer and has regularly assisted with coaching. In 2023 & 2024 Harrison was part of the Parramatta Referees coaching panel. In 2025, he was appointed Senior Development Coach, a role where he now shapes and mentors the next generation of officials – a testament to his leadership and dedication to giving back.

In 2020, Harrison began his representative officiating journey with selection into the NSWRL Junior Representative Program. Although the season was cut short due to COVID-19, he was recognised as the Merit touch judge for the Tarsha Gale Cup Grand Final. Later that year, following the easing of lockdown restrictions, Harrison made history by becoming the youngest referee to officiate the number one game in the Parramatta Junior League – a prestigious appointment he would go on to hold for three consecutive seasons. That same year, his contributions beyond the field were acknowledged when he was named the NSW Volunteer of the Year – Young Volunteer of the Year, a rare and prestigious honour celebrating his dedication and service to the game.

Featured: Harrison as touch judge in his debut year in NSWRL Junior Reps

His officiating resume is equally impressive. He was appointed to junior representative grand finals, including the Tarsha Gale Cup as a touch judge in 2020 (earning Merit Selection in his debut year) and again in 2021, the SG Ball Cup in 2022 and 2024, and the Laurie Daley Cup as referee in 2024. His representative career took another step forward in 2024 when he was selected to officiate at the U18s National Championships and joined the NSWRL High Performance train-on squad, refereeing several matches in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership throughout the season.

His leadership has been continually recognised by his peers. Harrison was voted the Referees’ Referee for three consecutive years – 2022, 2023, and 2024 – an award that acknowledges not only on-field excellence, but also leadership, attendance, and the respect of fellow referees. In 2023, he was named the inaugural winner of the Parramatta Referees Junior Rep Referee of the Year, a fitting tribute to his professionalism and consistency across both representative and district duties.

Featured: Harrison as referee of the 2024 Laurie Daley Cup Grand Final

Among his most cherished accolades are the two Darkie McCall Awards he received in 2018 and 2024 – an honour bestowed upon a member who exceeds expectations in contribution, demeanour, and improvement. Voted on via a secret Executive ballot, this award reflects his tireless behind the scenes effort and his deep commitment to the values of the Association.

When asked how he felt upon receiving the news of his grading, Harrison shared, “A big sense of excitement and also a little bit of relief. It takes a lot of time, dedication and commitment to achieve something like this and it’s a really rewarding feeling. There’s been a lot of great people come through this system and it’s quite special to now be a part of that.”

Reflecting on his time with Parramatta Referees, he said, “On-field would be refereeing the number one game on a few occasions – achieving those appointments are always special. Away from the field, winning the Darkie McCall Award twice is a significant honour which I’m humbled by and also playing a small part in the way the Association has evolved over the past few years. I’m very grateful to everyone at Parramatta Referees who has helped me along the way and will always be indebted to the Association.”

Featured: Harrison being awarded the 2024 Darkie McCall Service Award by Life Members Daniel Luttringer & Paul Holland

As seen through a long list of accolades, milestones, and service, Harrison is one of the Association’s most respected and influential members. His consistent commitment to officiating at the Junior Representative level, coupled with his unwavering dedication to the local district, make this achievement richly deserved.

Parramatta Referees Director of Officiating, Ethan Murray, spoke proudly of Harrison’s contribution, saying, “Harrison is an outstanding member of our Association, always willing to help with what the Association needs. He is exemplary in all areas at our Association. He is dedicated, reliable, and an outstanding member that I cannot fault.”

Featured: Harrison presented the Patrons award for officiating the A Grade Grand Final

Harrison now becomes the 67th graded member in Parramatta Referees’ 78 year history a historic milestone for both himself and the Association.

Following the announcement of Harrison Bayssari’s elevation to the NSWRL High Performance Squad, Chairman of Parramatta Referees, Mathew Picone, praised the achievement and shared the sentiment of the wider Association.

“The entire Association is buzzing with the news of Harrison’s personal achievement in becoming graded in the NSWRL High Performance Squad,” Picone said.

Featured: Harrison Bayssari is presented with his jersey by Ian McCall in 2024 ahead of his number one appointment on the touchline — a historic moment as he shares in making history alongside Olivia Lawne, the first ever female to be appointed to the number one game.

 Mathew Picone went on to say “Harrison is such a wonderful role model in every sense. His dedication, attitude, work ethic, and self discipline are truly inspiring not only to our younger members, but to all of us.”

He added, “I’m sure I echo the sentiments of everyone at Parramatta Referees when I say how immensely proud we are of Harrison and all he has accomplished.”

We congratulate Harrison on this incredible achievement and look forward to watching his continued success at the elite level of officiating.