Bu Hannah Blackwell
Wales will be involved in rugby league history on Monday night – whatever the outcome of their World Cup clash against Tonga.
Australian referee Kasey Badger will become the first female official to take charge of a men’s World Cup match when she has control of the tie at St. Helens.
Badger, who took charge of the grand final in the Australian women’s club game earlier this year, will also be a touch judge for the Kangaroos’ group B meeting with Scotland in Coventry on Friday.
“I nearly fell off my chair when they announced it and said I would be in charge,” admitted Badger.
“They were talking about the appointments, started talking about creating opportunities and history being made, and then they read my name out.
Good luck to the boy @Kear53 all the players and staff at Wales Rugby League for tonight’s @RLWC2021 Round 2 match against Tonga. NB I have ensured that @rhys_bepe is in this photo! #TeamKear #Skipper #TeamWlliams #Dragon #YmaOHyd pic.twitter.com/E1iEjz4msL
— Gareth Kear (@KearGareth) October 24, 2022
“I was shocked. I didn’t come over here expecting to referee in the men’s tournament, that’s for sure. These type of moments don’t come around often, but they are the reason you stay involved.”
“It is just good for the game, and it shows where our game is getting to, which is good to see.”
Wales will be huge underdogs against the Tongans, who have already beaten Papua New Guinea.
Wales coach John Kear will demand more backs-to-the-wall defiance from his team as his mix of Championship and League One players try to repeat their brave performance in an opening defeat to the Cook Islands.
