Longtime referee Kevin Roberts dies at 76

[GongPanther]

KEVIN Roberts is being remembered as one of rugby league’s greatest referees after his death aged 76.

Nicknamed ‘Bilko’, Roberts oversaw 272 first-grade matches including three straight grand finals from 1983.

The Sydneysider, who represented South Sydney in his playing days, also refereed six State of Origin clashes and four Tests in the 1980s.

“Refereeing lost one of its finest last night,” NRL referees boss Tony Archer said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Kevin’s on-field achievements were outstanding, but it was his support of others which stood him out from the rest.

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“He always displayed a strong discipline — no doubt a quality from his policing days — and instilled that as a requirement in all young aspiring referees.” Roberts, who made his first grade debut in 1975, was a NSW Referees Association life member.

“Kevin was a long serving coach and mentor who had a positive impact on so many referees’ careers,” the association said on its website.

http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/lo...6/news-story/7cb56911234a6f82a0d9c179775ce25f

Had the pleasure of meeting Roberts at the old Mandarin Club in Sydney years ago. A true gentleman,and a hard bastard to boot.

 

[LineBall]

Watching some old games which he controlled were a stark reminder as to how far the ref standards have slipped. I wonder if we would be better off not having the ref microphone on all the time and let them get stuck in to the players.

 

[Perth Red]

Seemed the best ones were always policemen back in the day, maybe should become a new appointment criteria?

RIP merry whistle blower