LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The NRL has announced changes to the refereeing lineup for the upcoming Anzac weekend in Round 8.
Liam Kennedy and Adam Gee will not be refereeing on-field, with Belinda Sharpe and Wyatt Raymond stepping in for their games.
Kennedy officiated the Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels match, while Gee oversaw the Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders clash in the previous round.
Wyatt Raymond, who was set to referee the New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights game, and Belinda Sharpe, who was set to officiate the North Queensland Cowboys vs Gold Coast Titans game, will now be on-field for different matches.
In the bunker, Adam Gee and Kasey Badger will both double up, while Chris Butler remains without an appointment.
Raymond, who is needed in Auckland on Friday, will also not be involved in video refereeing duties for the weekend.
Todd Smith has been assigned the highly anticipated Anzac Day match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters, while Raymond and Peter Gough will referee the other games on the public holiday.
The changes reflect the NRL's ongoing effort to rotate referees and give opportunities to different officials throughout the season.
Overall, the adjustments to the refereeing lineup for Anzac weekend in Round 8 aim to ensure fairness and consistency in officiating across the NRL matches.
Todd Smith's appointment to the Dragons vs Roosters game highlights the significance of the Anzac Day fixture in the NRL calendar, while the inclusion of Sharpe and Raymond in different games reflects the league's commitment to providing opportunities for all referees to showcase their skills.
The changes also demonstrate the logistical challenges of scheduling matches and allocating officials for multiple games over the busy holiday weekend.