Rugby League Coaching Manuals

By Matt Nicholls - Rugby league in Mount Isa is in danger of shutting down. That’s the stern message from Bob Jakeman, who said play cannot continue unless more people put their hands up to referee this season.

Jakeman said the increase of junior games plus the strain of all Mount Isa Rugby League matches being played on a Sunday, was making life difficult to have enough referees for matches in 2009.

“To put it simply, unless we get some people put their hands up, we just won’t be able to play some games,” he said.

“We can’t have a handful of people doing all the matches. We need to share the workload.”

The inclusion of Cloncurry and Blackstars junior sides, plus the possible addition of a reserve grade at senior level has Jakeman worried about rugby league’s future in Mount Isa.

“I’m 55 years old and I don’t need to be running out on Sunday afternoons and refereeing two full matches,” he said.

“If we can’t find younger and more enthusiastic people than me, then we’re in a lot of trouble.”

Jakeman encouraged ex-players, parents, older siblings or anyone interested in the sport to put their hand up and get involved in refereeing.

“We’re happy to give people training and get them set up,” he said.

“It would be a shame to have to call off games because we don’t have enough referees. That’s the last thing we want to happen.”

Anyone interested in refereeing this season should call Bob Jakeman on 0412 184 205.