Cowra's Nate Gunn has had his talents on the rugby league field recognised after being awarded the Jack O’Sullivan Trophy at the NSW Rugby League Referees Association (NSWRLRA) Life Members Luncheon over the weekend.
The trophy, which honours the most outstanding junior referee with potential in NSW, is a huge accolade – and one that Nate says he’s honoured to receive.
He thanked the NSW Association for both the nomination and award.
It's been a cracker of a season, that has also seen Nate named the 2025 Woodbridge Cup's League Tag Referee of the year at the Woodbridge Referee Association Presentation earlier in October.
Nate said receiving these awards are really good and he has had a really good year of refereeing footy.
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With four years of refereeing under his belt, Nate’s 2025 season has seen him step up to some of the biggest games on the junior calendar.
He’s run onto the pitch at events from the Group 10 Juniors League Tag Finals Series, the U14s Boys and Girls Tackle Grand Finals, to the Woodbridge Cup Opens League Tag Finals.
His whistle has also been heard at high-profile events like the Western Development Representative Carnival, the NSW Country Cup, the U13s Schoolboys State Championship Grand Final, and the Nations of Origin U14s and U16s.
Refereeing such a wide range of matches has not only improved Nate’s skillset, but also his confidence, helping him get out into the world of regional sport.
One of Nate’s favourite moments of the year was officiating the women’s tackle semi final between Manildra and Cowra.
While he originally picked up the whistle to earn a few extra dollars, Nate said it’s the friendships and growth in confidence that have kept him motivated in the role.
He still enjoys playing rugby league as well, which gives him valuable insight into both sides of the game.
Looking forward, Nate is hopeful to get a senior grand final next year and take that one step further in refereeing.
While the general season of rugby league has finished for the year, Nate is still involved in refereeing the Western Women's Tackle competition until November and will take part in three more carnival days over the next few weeks.
