Queensland referee Jarrod Cole will take charge of his first men’s NRL match this weekend, with the league confirming he will oversee Sunday’s Round 24 clash between the North Queensland Cowboys and Newcastle Knights in Townsville.
Cole, a regular NRL touch judge and experienced QLD Cup official, will be supported in the bunker by Grant Atkins for his debut.
According to The Rugby League Project, the 185-game QLD Cup referee also officiated last year’s state competition grand final.
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Veteran in the state leagues
The appointment comes as the NRL continues to shuffle its officiating roster, with several senior referees and bunker officials juggling multiple games in Round 24. Chris Butler will handle three matches in the bunker, while Adam Gee takes two and Ashley Klein, Matt Noyen and Atkins share the remaining duties.
Cole’s rise to the top grade follows years of service at state level, earning recognition for his consistency and composure. His step up also coincides with notable absences, with Belinda Sharpe and Kasey Badger again missing from men’s NRL selections after being previously dropped.
Sunday’s game will be a key fixture for both the Cowboys and Knights as they push for finals spots, and a significant milestone for Cole, who now joins the ranks of the NRL’s matchday referees.