Rickey McFarlane Hangs Up Boots After an Illustrious Career

Life Member Rickey McFarlane has announced his retirement from active refereeing after a long and successful career.

Rickey started refereeing in 1994 within the Penrith District as member #575 and in 2003 was graded as member #899 to the NSWRLRA.

During his active graded career Rickey stayed heavily involved within our Association. He held many roles including coaching coordinator, social secretary, social committee member, life membership committee member and association trainer as well as development squad trainer/coordinator.

Rickey was awarded the Reg Newsome Most Improved Referee in 1993, Life Membership of our Association in 2015, in 2003 Rickey also took control of the A Grade Division 1 Grand Final which is the top appointment to receive within the Penrith District.

Rickey officiated in 427 fixtures in both the NRL (where he was NRL #100 graded in the Centenary year of 2008) and the NSWRL.

His long active career in both the NSWRLRA & NRL was highlighted by 74 appointments in the NSW Cup (including 29 in the centre) along with 46 appointments (20 centres) in the Ron Massey Cup. Four straight NSW Cup appointments (2003 – 2006) was a standout.

Rickey’s NRL Career which commenced in Round 26, 2009 was highlighted by the Rookie of the Year award in 2011 and included Grand Final appointments as well as City v Country, State of Origin and two test matches – a total of 287 matches.

We congratulate Rickey on a fine career in both the NRL and NSWRL and wish him every success in his future endeavours.