7 March 2024

An exciting opportunity awaits Bay of Plenty’s Paki Parkinson, one of New Zealand Rugby League’s most notable match officials. Parkinson’s longtime commitment to the game has seen him earn an NRL officiating debut as a touch judge, tomorrow in the Warriors v Sharks home game at Go Media Mt. Smart Stadium.

In 2016 when an ACL injury ruled him out of playing rugby league, Parkinson wanted to stay amongst the game so he set his sights on becoming an NZRL-qualified referee.

“Refereeing is about being part of the community and the game, without the contact”.

“It’s a great way to be involved and give back to rugby league, and make new friends as well”, says Parkinson.

Since 2016 Parkinson has become one of the most prominent match officials in New Zealand, being a constant presence at grassroots and national tournaments nationwide.

“I feel overwhelmed and excited that all the hard work has paid off, it’s hard to put into words

“On top of dedication, training, and commitment, the support of my wife and family has helped me get to this level” Parkinson shared.

Whilst he has been a mainstay in grassroots football, in recent years his expertise has also earned him elite-level opportunities.

Parkinson first took to the international stage in 2018 for the Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos Test match, before gaining selection for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in the United Kingdom.

2023 was another big year for Parkinson in which he officiated for the New Zealand Universities and Tertiary Students Tests, the Indigenous v Māori All Stars women’s match, and the Pacific Championships.

Since 2018 Parkinson has been a touch judge in the NRL New South Wales Cup and other junior NRL competitions, then in mid-2023 he debuted as a primary on-field referee which was no doubt a stepping stone that has now led him to the NRL Premiership.

All these achievements in 2023 contributed to him being awarded NZRL Match Official of the Year award for the fourth consecutive year, says Alan Caddy.

“Paki has served the game for many years, his selection is well-deserved and shows a positive pathway for referees in New Zealand” Alan shared.

NZRL CEO Greg Peters says, “What a proud moment to have a Kiwi selected to officiate at the highest level in this game,”

Peters adds, “Congratulations Paki, I know you will make New Zealand Rugby League and your community proud.”

To learn how you can become involved in refereeing, contact your local NZRL District or Zone referee association and see here for more information.