NSWRLRA GRADE SQUAD REPORT Mr. Jack Bird
The 2021 season had its ups and downs. After COVID-19 impacted the 2020 season, we saw the return of some normality in 2021. We were optimistic about the start of a new season, with preseason seeing the squad training together on both Monday and Wednesday nights - a welcome change from the fragmented training in 2020. Further, we were informed that all the major NSW competitions were coming back to full capacity. Season 2021 also bought with it several rule changes, and the return of the one referee model to NSW Cup. The squad worked hard in preseason and trial games to adapt to these changes, ensuring that we could hit the ground running once the season began. Throughout the season there were number of big milestones achieved in the squad. Daniel Luttringer and Clayton Wills had their refereeing debuts in NSW Cup; Kieran Irons made his NRL debut on the touchline; Ben Teague officiated in his 200th game in the NSW Grade Squad; and our very own Jimmy Oliveira officiated in his 450th game as a member of the NSW Grade Squad, an extraordinary achievement! There were several new additions to the Grade squad in 2021, with Michael Ford (Illawarra), Brendan Mani (St George), and Ethan Murray (Parramatta) joining our ranks. Regrettably, after a solid start to the season, several cancellations, and delays in late June due to the COVID-19 outbreak culminated in the NSW Rugby League making the tough decision to cancel the NSW major competitions on 10th August. Bringing the Grade squad’s season to an early end. At the end of the 2021 season, Jimmy Oliveira announced his retirement from the NSW Grade squad after a decorated 15-year career, dating back to 2007. As previously mentioned, Jimmy officiated in over 450 games as a member of the NSW grade squad. An outstanding achievement that I know Jimmy and this association are incredibly proud of.
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CBDRLRA Inc. 100th Annual Report & Financial Statement – Season 2021
