Ready for Sunday Showcase: Parramatta Referees Names 2026 Senior Grand Final Referees
The Parramatta District Rugby League Referees Association has officially unveiled the referee appointments for the upcoming 2026 Senior Grand Finals, locking in the match officials who will take control of four high-stakes fixtures at McCredie Park this Sunday, 30th August.
Following the earlier announcements for the league tag and female tackle deciders, the Association gathered on Tuesday evening at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence to formally recognise its top-performing officials of the season. Special guest and NRL Referee Kasey Badger was on hand to present the official grand final jerseys to the selected match officials, signalling the start of match-week preparations for the district’s biggest day on the calendar.
Sunday’s action-packed schedule kicks off at 9:45 AM with the Under 17 Division 2 final between Cabramatta and the Hills Bulls, officiated by 18-year-old referee Maisy Macarthur. Macarthur caps off a meteoric rise through the senior ranks this season, having made her A Grade debut, featured in the NSWRL pathway female competitions, and earned selection to the NSWRL High Performance train-on squad. She will be flanked on the sidelines by touch judges Lachlan Bradley and Brooke Munro, with Bella Power and Lucas Harper assisting in-goal and Caitlin Sherry on standby.
The spotlight then shifts to the A Grade Women’s Division 1 clash at 11:30 AM, where Mounties will take on Redfern. Caitlin Sherry has been handed the whistle following a standout year. In just her second season refereeing rugby league after transitioning from touch football, Sherry’s rapid progress earned her appointments in the NSWRL Women’s Premiership and touchline duties in the Jersey Flegg Cup alongside her district achievements. Alessio Schiavone and Riley Bettiol will act as touch judges, supported by in-goal assistants Zane Alkhatib and Ken Nader, with George Habib on standby.
At 1:15 PM, the Under 19 Division 1 decider features the Hills Bulls against Pennant Hills, with Lachlan Smith taking charge in the middle. Recognised for his consistency across district A Grade fixtures this season, Smith has also taken on a mentoring role within the Association to help develop rising young officials. Marcus Rowe and Jacob Dean will assist on the touchlines, while Jackson Lamont and Lachlan Atkins serve as in-goal judges, with Macarthur stepping into the standby role.
The day culminates at 3:00 PM with the feature match of the 2026 season: the Under 21 Division 1 Grand Final between Winston Hills and Greenacre. Top-ranked referee Bailey Clark earns the appointment in the centre following a standout campaign that included officiating in the SG Ball Cup and debuting in the Jersey Flegg Cup this season. Clark nows etches his name alongside a successful list of Parramatta Referees who have earnt the number one appointment in the district, many of whom have gone on to have highly successful careers in rugby league refereeing.
Joining Clark for the premier fixture is a seasoned team of touch judges: Adam Allouche, making his second consecutive appearance on the sideline for the number-one fixture, and Jazion Semeatu, following an impressive finals series in his inaugural season with the NSWRL Development Squad. George Habib and Samuel Alkhatib complete the crew as in-goal judges, with Smith named as standby referee.
Association Chair Mat Picone commended the appointed crew ahead of Sunday’s clashes, emphasising that Grand Final day represents the ultimate reward for months of dedicated preparation and performance.
"Grand Final day is the pinnacle of our season and the reason everyone involved puts in such incredible time and energy week after week," Picone said. "These appointments directly reflect the hard work, consistency, and professional application these officials have demonstrated all year. We have total confidence they will represent themselves, their families, and our Association with pride on Sunday."
Official Match Day Schedule
McCredie Park, Guildford — Sunday 30th August 2026
U17 Division 2 (9:45 AM)
Match: Cabramatta vs. Hills Bulls
Referee: Maisy Macarthur
Touch Judges: Lachlan Bradley & Brooke Munro
In-Goal Assist: Bella Power & Lucas Harper
Standby Referee: Caitlin Sherry
A Grade Women’s Division 1 (11:30 AM)
Match: Mounties vs. Redfern
Referee: Caitlin Sherry
Touch Judges: Alessio Schiavone & Riley Bettiol
In-Goal Assist: Zane Alkhatib & Ken Nader
Standby Referee: George Habib
U19 Division 1 (1:15 PM)
Match: Hills Bulls vs. Pennant Hills
Referee: Lachlan Smith
Touch Judges: Marcus Rowe & Jacob Dean
In-Goal Assist: Jackson Lamont & Lachlan Atkins
Standby Referee: Maisy Macarthur
U21 Division 1 (3:00 PM)
Match: Winston Hills vs. Greenacre
Referee: Bailey Clark
Touch Judges: Adam Allouche & Jazion Semeatu
In-Goal Assist: George Habib & Samuel Alkhatib
Standby Referee: Lachlan Smith
