Match Official of the Year /

The 2026 State Nominations open soon!

As part of the marvelbet365.community Awards presented by Westpac, the marvelbet365.community Match Official of the Year is presented to a match official who exemplifies character and fairness in their role within Rugby League. 

2025 Match Official of the Year - Alan Bain

For the past three seasons, Alan has been the driving force behind the transformation of officiating in Far North Queensland (FNQ). As the region’s officiating coordinator, Alan has led the integration of the FNQ Referees into the local league structure, taking on recruitment, education, appointments, compliance and coaching, all while continuing to officiate junior and senior matches himself.

Alan’s impact is felt across every level of the game. He mentors young referees, collaborates with junior leagues to develop club referees, and supports the delivery of the Beyond the Goal Posts program in schools. As a certified NRL course facilitator, he’s helped grow the refereeing community by encouraging players, coaches and volunteers to pick up the whistle.

His leadership is marked by fairness, empathy and innovation. Alan championed the Green Socks campaign to protect and support young referees and led the rollout of MySideline’s new match official appointments feature to improve efficiency and accessibility. Alan is renowned for recognising potential in others and guiding them with patience and care.

In a region facing referee shortages, Alan has delivered practical solutions - building club capacity, pairing new referees with experienced mentors and subsidising travel for officials to support community matches. His efforts ensure the game continues to run smoothly.

Quite simply, Rugby League in FNQ wouldn’t function without Alan. His dedication, leadership and love for the game continue to shape the future of officiating and inspire those around him.