Thanks to the ongoing partnership between the Capital Rugby Union and the Queensland Rugby Referees Association, both the Women’s and the Premier Division Pepsi Cup CRU Grand Finals will see referees from Queensland officiate this Saturday at the Santos National Football Stadium. Both referees, Ned Carrick & Jess Craig will take charge of both matches. Carrick will officiate the Premier Grade stand-off between Kramer Ausenco Brothers and defending premiers Credit Corporation Harlequins, with both teams meeting yet again in the final showdown to declare the champions of the capital. Carrick is no stranger to the country having been here for work previously and is excited to take the field as the match official. “This is my first time here as a rugby referee,” he said. He added that he had taken up refereeing 15 years ago for a bit of pocket money, when he realized that he wasn’t going to make it as a player. “So, the next best thing to do to stay involved was to take the whistle,” he said. “I have seen a few games on livestream and heard from those that have been here before that there is a lot of passion during games, so I look forward to that.” Meanwhile Craig takes charge of the Women’s clash between reigning premiers Credit Corporation Harlequins and Juggernauts. This is her first time in PNG and her first refereeing experience outside Queensland. “I currently play for a Premier Women’s club in the Brisbane competition,” the nippy halfback said. “I started refereeing three years ago starting with the girls 7s competitions but have progressed to 15s game mainly with the boys.” She has travelled across Australia officiating at State and National 7s and 15s competitions and is looking forward to officiating the Women’s grand final on Saturday.