Parramatta Referees Hit New Heights with 2025 NSWRL Junior Representative Squad
Parramatta Referees continue to make waves in the officiating world with the announcement of the 2025 NSWRL Junior Representative Squad, featuring a record-equaling 11 members, including five female referees—the highest in the Association’s history.
Returning to the squad after impressive 2024 campaigns are Harrison Bayssari, Bailey Clark (F), and Olivia Lawne. Both Bayssari and Lawne further demonstrated their prowess by earning places in the NSWRL High Performance Train-On Squad last season—a significant achievement reflecting their exceptional talent and dedication.
Pictured: Harrison Bayssari in action with the whistle in 2024
A further significant milestone last year was Olivia Lawne’s historic appointment as the first-ever female referee in the Association’s 77-year history.
Joining them for their second year in junior reps are Bailey Clark (M), Jacob Dean, Brock Millar, and Lachlan Smith, who all upheld a high standard of officiating throughout 2024, representing the association with professionalism both on and off the field. Bailey Clark (M) returns after being crowned the NSWRL Junior Rep Rookie Of The Year in 2024.
Director of Officiating Ethan Murray praised the group’s collective performance last season, saying
“Season 2024 was our best year yet. The Junior Representative Squad embraced the culture and vision of Parramatta Referees, and this was evident in their consistent performances across the board.”
Pictured: Squad members Bailey Clark (M), Olivia Lawne & Kieran Palmer (NSWRL Emerging Squad)
The squad’s strength has been bolstered in 2025 by the addition of four new referees: Maisy Macarthur, Liam O’Brien, Ellen McLeod, and Caitlin Sherry.
Members began their pre-season training in November, participating in rigorous training sessions, trials, and the Junior Representative Camp held at Narrabeen in December.
Murray acknowledged the challenges of the demanding junior reps schedule
“Pre-season in junior reps can be intense, with a much shorter season than they would be used to. Seizing opportunities is crucial, and our systems and resources have been designed to provide our referees with the best preparation possible.”
The Junior Representative competitions begin on 1 February, with Parramatta referees set to officiate across tournaments, including:
- Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup (Under 17s)
- Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup (Under 19s)
- UNE Harold Matthews Cup (Under 17s)
- UNE SG Ball Cup (Under 19s)
The inclusion of 11 members in the Junior Representative Squad matches the Association’s all-time record and sets a new benchmark for female representation, highlighting the success of Parramatta Referees’ initiatives to foster greater inclusivity.
Pictured: Current sqaud members in 2024 - Brock Millar, Harrison Bayssari & Jacob Dean
“We’ve worked hard over the years to increase female participation through various initiatives,” Murray explained. “Seeing so many more talented female referees ready to step up to junior reps is fantastic.”
With a wealth of talent in the Junior Representative Squad and a thriving Emerging Squad, the future of Parramatta Referees looks brighter than ever as the 2025 season approaches.
The full 2025 NSWRL Junior Representative Squad in alphabetical order;
Harrison Bayssari, Bailey Clark (F), Bailey Clark (M), Brock Millar, Caitlin Sherry, Ellen McLeod, Jacob Dean, Lachlan Smith, Liam O’Brien, Maisy Macarthur, and Olivia Lawne.
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