RUA announces grand final umpires
By James Matthey
Although most of the attention will be on the players this weekend, those who will be feeling just as much pressure will be the umpires.
With the RFL grand finals set to be held at Narrandera Sportsground this Sunday, the RUA has unveiled just who will be taking charge in the all-important fixtures.
Veteran umpire Tim Beard, who earlier this year held the whistle in his 350th AFL game, has been chosen to officiate in his ninth RFL First Grade grand final, while young up-and-comers Sam Wemyss and Pat Harris will join him on the big stage for the match between Coolamon and Collingullie.
Wemyss, a product of the AFL school-based academy, will umpire his second RFL grand final after experiencing his first taste of the elite environment last season.
This Sunday will be Harris’ debut in an RFL grand final, but he will bring some experience to the role after umpiring the 2012 Farrer League grand final.
In a momentous decision, the RUA has appointed the first ever female to umpire in a premiership decider after Shana Doughney was given the nod to handle the Under-17s clash between Wagga Tigers and Temora, where she will be accompanied by Pat O’Donoghue and Darren Solly.
Ryan Dedini, Cam Warner and Trent Richards have been given the task of umpiring MCUE’s match against Collingullie in the Reserve Grade grand final.
