HUNTER Valley Group 21 referee Joey Butler’s “dream” Women’s Rugby League World Cup (WRLWC) campaign continues this week.
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Just days after officiating the Papua New Guinea and Canada showdown at Southern Cross Group Stadium, Sydney, at the weekend, the 22-year-old Singleton whistle-blower will oversee a main clash on Wednesday.
This follows a touch judge appearance last Thursday afternoon.
“I’ve just found out I’ll be looking after the Australian Jillaroos’ encounter with Canada [at the same venue],” he said.
“And, the match will be televised from 4pm on 7MATE.
“It’s pretty exciting.
“My main aim is referee the grand final [on December 2] at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium – the curtain-raiser to the men’s decider.”
The Jillaroos hammered the Cook Islands 58-4 and backed that up with a 38-0 drubbing of England.
Canada, on the other hand, suffered a 50-4 loss to New Zealand in its opener but responded with a 22-8 victory over Papua New Guinea.
Group 21 Referees Association president Angus Whalley travelled to Sydney on Sunday to watch Butler in action.
“We’re all proud of Joey,” he said.
“He’s worked extremely hard to get where he is.”
For Butler, it’s another step towards his goal – to referee in the NRL.