The Queensland woman set to make NRL history

Rugby League history will be made this weekend when a 31-year-old from Queensland becomes the first female to referee an NRL fixture.

Belinda Sleeman, a regular touch judge in the NRL since 2014, will be handed the reins for Saturday night’s pre-season trial match between the Broncos and Wynnum Manly at Kougari Ova in Brisbane.

The 31-year-old, who has officiated in more than 60 first grade games in the NRL, said she’s thrilled to take the next step in her refereeing career.

“Everybody’s goal at this level is to referee in the NRL,” she said.

“This weekend I guess is another step closer to that for me. A really good opportunity to test myself on that level.

“Obviously the skill level goes up, the size of the players the speed of the game increases each level you go up.

“I used to play and ref touch football where I grew up in Rockhampton then tried rugby league when I was 18. I always had a passion for the game with my dad.”

Brisbane local Sleeman’s hopes of refereeing an NRL match were given a major boost when she was selected to officiate at the World Cup in 2017.

Sleeman says she is well equipped to handle the major step up in the speed of the game at NRL level.

“All our sprint technique training and on-field training is exactly the same,” she said.

“I’m required to reach the same parameters and expectations as the whole squad.

“We all work really hard to ensure I can compete at the highest level.”