Parramatta Referees’ Number One Team Set for the District’s Biggest Stage

On Sunday, 31 August at Kellyville Stadium, all eyes in the Parramatta District Rugby League will turn to the A Grade Division One Grand Final between Wentworthville and Mounties. Kick-off is set for 3:30pm, and with it comes one of the most prestigious honours in Parramatta Referees history the appointment of the Number One Game.

This year’s Grand Final will showcase some of the Association’s finest members from the NSWRL high-performance train-on & PDRLRA emerging squad, highlighting the incredible depth and talent within Parramatta Referees.

The Match Officials

• Referee: Liam O’Brien
• Touch Judges: Bailey Clark & Adam Allouche
• In-Goal Officials: Jazion Semeatu & Marcus Rowe
• Standby Referee: Bailey Clark
• Standby Touch Judge: Lachlan Smith
• Match Day Coach: Ethan Murray
• Time Assist: Ken McNaught

A Historic Honour

Since the early days of the Parramatta Referees Association, the Number One Game has carried immense prestige. Appointments to this fixture represent the pinnacle of district refereeing—roles reserved only for those who have consistently demonstrated outstanding performance, leadership, and composure on and off the field.

Over the decades, this appointment has acted as a launchpad for referees who have progressed into Junior Representative Programs, the NSWRL Graded Squad, and even the NRL. It is both a reward for dedication and a responsibility to uphold the proud traditions of Parramatta Referees.

Last season marked a historic breakthrough when Olivia Lawne became the first-ever female referee to control the Number One Game in Parramatta’s history. Olivia’s appointment not only broke barriers but also inspired the next generation of female officials a milestone that remains a source of immense pride for the Association.

Writing His Own Chapter

This year, Liam O’Brien takes charge of his first Grand Final as the Number One Referee. Beginning his refereeing journey in 2021, Liam has risen rapidly through the ranks, showcasing professionalism, consistency, and leadership.

In just four years, he now joins the elite list of referees appointed to this defining fixture. Liam’s 2025 season has also been decorated this year with being part of the NSW High Performance Train-on and Junior Representative with milestones including:

• Officiating across multiple Junior Representative competitions in both the middle and on the line.
• Representing Parramatta Referees with distinction at state level.
• Joining the NSWRL High Performance train-on squad.
• Debuting in Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership (as referee), and Jersey Flegg & Sydney Shield (as touch judge).

A Breakout Year of Excellence

Bailey Clark continues his extraordinary rise, backing up an already stellar career in. Over the past two seasons he has achieved:

• Officiating across multiple Junior Representative competitions in both the middle and on the line.
• Rookie of the Year in his first season of Junior Reps.
• Back-to-back Parramatta Junior League Referee of the Year.
• Appointments to state-level fixtures including the U15s Nationals.
• Debut appearances in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, Jersey Flegg, and Sydney Shield.

Bailey will also officiate the U19 Division 1 game as Referee, another outstanding achievement in a breakout year.

Pictured: Bailey Clark

A Record-Breaking Appointment at Just 16

At only 16 years of age, Adam Allouche becomes the youngest official ever appointed to the Number One Game touchline in Parramatta Referees’ history.

Adam’s appointment is a story of perseverance and dedication. Since first taking up the whistle, he has worked tirelessly to improve his craft, earning the respect of coaches, peers, and senior referees. His historic appointment proves that with hard work and commitment, age is no barrier to achieving greatness, Adam in 2022 was named Rookie Of The Year, the following year he was named Junior Touch Judge Of The Year with just last year being named Junior Of The Year. Adam is also a member of the PRDLRA Emerging Squad since 2023.

Pictured: Adam Allouche

In-Goal Appointments

The in-goal officials reflect both experience and rising talent:

• Marcus Rowe earns consecutive Number One appointments in the in-goal, showcasing his reliability, composure, and consistency.
• Jazion Semeatu makes his debut at this level, rewarded for an outstanding season of strong performances.

Pictured: Marcus Rowe

Both officials are also trusted on senior touchlines, with Jazion running the Number Two game on the line, and Marcus appointed to the Number Three game on the line.

Leadership Perspective

Director of Officiating, Ethan Murray, praised the officials’ growth and dedication:

“It’s always a proud moment when you are involved in the appointment of the Number One Game. So many officials could’ve been appointed the talent and depth at Parramatta Referees makes it extremely hard which is a great thing.”

Reflecting on their development, Murray continued:

“These officials are like sponges, they soak up everything that’s coached to them. The attitudes they’ve shown throughout the season have been outstanding, and they’ve all worked hard for this appointment. I have great faith in them, and I know they’ll do the Association proud.”

Pictured: Jazion Semeatu

The Legacy of the Number One Game

The Number One Game has been officiated by some of Parramatta’s finest, many of whom have gone on to Junior Reps, NSW High Performance squads, and even the NRL. Each appointment adds to a proud tradition of excellence, where history is both remembered and made.

Parramatta Referees Pathways Coach Ken McNaught reflected on the efforts of all match officials appointed to the top game over the weekend.

When asked about Liam’s appointment to the Number One Game, Ken said, “Liam’s appointment was well deserved. The decision for this year’s game was incredibly tough, with so many talented officials in contention. His selection reflects the consistency and professionalism he has shown all season.”

On the historic appointment of Adam Allouche, the youngest ever match official to be appointed to the district’s Number One Game, Ken praised his dedication “Adam has worked extremely hard and is one of our leading junior referees. His efforts never go unnoticed. He is always striving to upskill himself, particularly around the technical aspects of refereeing, which has been a big part of his development.”

Ken concluded with strong confidence in the team “The entire officiating team for our Number One Game will be ready to go. We have complete faith that they will perform to the highest standard and deliver a great game on Sunday.”

The Future Looks Bright

The 2025 Number One officiating team reflects the strength, depth, and future promise of Parramatta Referees. With Liam O’Brien leading his first Number One game, Bailey Clark excelling across multiple competitions, a record-breaking appointment for 16-year-old Adam Allouche, and strong contributions from Marcus Rowe and Jazion Semeatu, this Grand Final is more than just a match.

It is a celebration of dedication, history, and the pathways Parramatta Referees provides for those striving for higher honours.

Five officials listed Bailey, Adam, Marcus, and Jazion included are products of the Parramatta Referees Emerging Squad, a program designed to provide advanced coaching and development opportunities for promising officials. Over the past three seasons, the program has consistently produced success stories, preparing referees for Junior Reps and beyond.

As the whistle blows at 3:30pm on Sunday, the 2025 team will not only control a blockbuster Wentworthville vs Mounties decider but also carry forward the proud legacy of the Number One Game—proving once again that at Parramatta Referees, greatness never stops.