By KRIS FLANDERS

No video refs or replays are required to see that Baluun Simon continues to rise amongst the ranks of young referees.

The 22-year-old Biripi man is one of the best refs in the Group 7 Division on the NSW south coast. It’s a role that he’s been involved with since 2017.

Simon says that officiating matches in Group 7 has been great to be part of.

“It has taught me to be calm in high pressure situations, you know, as players’ emotions get high for me to remain focused. Just making sure that the players know that there’s a line in the sand and they follow the rules and my calls,” Simon said.

“Group 7 is great. It’s a fast paced style of footy, we have quite a few ex-NRL players in the competition. It continues to get bigger and better. It’s good to be one of the leading refs there and I look forward to the games each weekend.”

The Group 7 Division celebrates the local Indigenous people and the players, fans and officials who’ve made the competition special throughout its 50 years of existence.

The Division holds an annual Indigenous Round during July, the month that NAIDOC Week is celebrated in, with all clubs wearing special designed jerseys and culture taking centre stage.

“This round is always my favourite, the Group 7 staff, teams and fans all support this round. We had Aunty Lindy Lawler, design the refs and officials shirts. I got to referee a local derby between the Stingrays and Shellharbour and having Aunty at that game was special. To wear her story and learn about her story, being part of the Stolen Generation, and also represent our culture especially during the 50 years of NAIDOC celebrations this year.” Simon said.

Refereeing highlights for Simon include Group 7 Grand Finals over different age divisions and has also been in charge of games at the NSW Koori Knockout competition.

“The most challenging is of course the back end of games that are really tight, when you’re under fatigue, the game is close. Captains are wanting explanations for every decision. It’s about pushing forward in a calm manner and knowing that you’ve made the best calls and being confident in that.”

Most recently, Simon, has been elevating himself up the ranks in the NSRWL being named as a whistleblower in the Jersey Flegg competition.

Simon made his debut in the Cronulla vs Kaiviti Silktails (Fiji) clash and then Wests Tigers vs Warriors followed by Canberra vs Wests Tigers.

“I finished up the junior representative season at the end of April and I was selected in a train-on squad to train with the major competitions’ match officials. So I’ve been doing that and officiating in the NSW Premiership Women’s league. Putting in the hard work at training and they gave me the opportunity to do Jersey Flegg. I was stunned and surprised when I got the call up because I was only in the train-on squad.” Simon said.

Jersey Flegg is a time honoured youth rugby league competition that started in 1961 and is for players aged 21 years or under. There are 14 teams in the 2026 competition, including Canberra, Canterbury, Manly, Melbourne, Penrith, the Roosters and a team from Fiji as well.

The competition is one of the pathways and stepping stones to the NRL.

“It’s about remaining consistent and listening to our coaches and showing them that we are taking on board all the advice. Just having that willingness to learn and listen to what they have to say about being a better official and person. As far as fitness goes on the field, I’m pretty good there. But also the analysis of your performances and I’m always pretty critical of what I do and review that.” Simon declared.

Simon told the Koori Mail that being in charge of Jersey Flegg games gives him the best seat in the house on the talented players coming through.

“Heaps of skills going around, it’s pretty cool to witness, the speed and their defensive efforts they put in. Runs up the middle and flick passes, you name it, they do it well,” Simon said.

To this date, Gavin Badger, is the only Indigenous referee who’s controlled NRL matches. Badger officiated over 300 games and was considered one of the best refs in the game. Simon would love nothing more than to one day follow in Badger’s footsteps and be on the field to ref an NRL clash. But that is down the road.

“Firstly short term, have my sights set on the First Grade Group 7 grand final later in the year in September and then hit ground running for the junior development for 2027 and just chip away at that. Fingers crossed to be then graded into the high performance squad,” Simon revealed.

“The ultimate goal is the NRL but I know that’s a long time away, it’s about being the best I can be and giving the players the ref they deserve in a game. But obviously watching ‘Badge’ as a kid, it was really cool to see an Indigenous ref and I’d love to follow in his footsteps. I love training with him and getting tips from him, that’s second to none.”

At 22-years-old, Simon, is the kind of referee that the game needs and wants. The young whistleblower encourages others to come through and take up the whistle and flag. Without referees there is no game.

“For us in Group 7 they put a lot of attention on retention and promotion of referees. We work hard, on and off the field, to make all refs and touch judges to feel supported.

“Wherever you’re from give it a go, pick up the whistle, we need more coming through. There’s so much more opportunities and pathways for refs now.” Simon said.