I’ve always loved footy and played for many years. But due to injuries, I couldn’t keep playing. Then I started refereeing. I get to stay involved in the game I love, give something back, and have a run each week.

As a girl, I watched my dad refereeing and my brother play. I started at 14 to get some pocket money and keep fit. I have been refereeing for about 10 years and I now referee senior football and coach other young referees. It is fun and still keeps me fit. There are now lots of girls & women playing football. This year Belinda Sleeman became the first woman to referee an NRL game. We need more women involved.

I play junior football every weekend, and referee as well. It’s helped my football, as I see another part of the game. The group is great, and it’s given me some extra money as well.