To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Women's State Of Origin History In The Making With First Ever All-Female Referee Team

Women's State Of Origin History In The Making With First Ever All-Female Referee Team

Belinda Sharpe has refereed the match, while Kailey Beattie and Karra-Lee Nolan were the touch judges.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

The game itself between Queensland and New South Wales is serving up some quality footy, but it turns out this isn't just your standard Women's State of Origin.

No, this fixture in particular happens to be a historic night for the women's game.

For the first time ever, there isn't a single man on the field with an all-female referee team officiating the clash between the two rival states.

Belinda Sharpe.
NRL

Belinda Sharpe has refereed the match (and done a terrific job, may we add), while Kailey Beattie and Karra-Lee Nolan have been the touch judges.

It's the first time in history that an all-female on-field team has officiated an elite NRLW, NRL or State of Origin game.

"It's a dream come true. I got the call that I'd been selected for Origin off the back of dedication, diligence and hard work," touch judge Nolan told the ABC.

"I just want to be seen as an equal, not the tokenistic appointment.

"Being a part of an all-female space - it's a first of its kind, it's absolutely surreal.

"I am the only girl amongst 40 blokes (in the NSW high-performance refereeing squad) and on the coaching side it's all male except for one female physio.

Respected referee Sharpe paved the way for female rugby league officials when she became the first ever woman to take charge of an NRL game back in 2019.

Now Nolan is working alongside the legendary ref.

"This Origin is a credit to people like Belinda Sharpe who've made it possible to come through now and keep flying that flag," Nolan added.

Featured Image Credit: NRL

Topics: Rugby League, nrl, Australia,