Group 7 referee Ryan Micallef has been officially elevated to the NSW Referees High Performance Squad, bringing him one step closer to his dream of officiating in the NRL.

Only 40 referees across the state were chosen for the elite squad. Micallef will officiate on matches in the Jersey Flegg competition - a major stepping stone on the pathway to top-tier rugby league.

“It’s the culmination of a 12-year journey - a pathway not too dissimilar to that of a player,” Micallef said. 

“You come in at the junior league level, move through the representative pathways, and work your way into the high-performance system.”

Micallef, who is in his mid 20s, is among only a handful of referees from the Group 7 competition to have made the cut.

“There are only 40 referees in NSW in the squad, so it’s pretty special. And to achieve it from outside the Sydney metro area makes it even more meaningful.

Ryan Micallef (left) will leave behind a large legacy at Group 7. Photo: Group 7 Referees Association

"The number of referees who get graded is already limited - those doing it from regional areas are even fewer,” he said.

From here, Micallef hopes to continue progressing through the ranks, with the goal of refereeing in the Sydney Shield, Ron Massey Cup, and NSW Cup.

“The top cup guys are usually around 30 years old, so I’ve still got a bit of time ahead of me. But I just want to make a strong impression, stay consistent with my training and performances, and hopefully keep building. If all goes well, I’d love to be closing in on the NRL in five or six years.”

Micallef first became involved in rugby league as a junior player with the Kiama Knights but began refereeing at the age of 14 - initially just to earn some pocket money.

“It started off as a way to make a bit of cash. But the deeper I went into it, the more I enjoyed it,” he said. 

“And honestly, I wasn’t a great player. So to stay involved in the game, earn a little money, and then progress through levels I never could have reached as a player - that was something I really valued.”

Ryan has been refereeing since he was a teenager in 2014. Photo: Group 7 Referees Association

Now known for his calm presence on the field, Micallef embraces a refereeing philosophy that values flow and game awareness.

“I think the best referees know when to step in and when to step back,” he explained. 

“Some games require a lot more management, others almost run themselves. It’s about reading the match and understanding what’s needed.

“I try to set a clear standard early, then let the game breathe. Ideally, if things are going smoothly, I can stay out of it - and only step in when I need to.”

As he departs Group 7, Micallef leaves behind a strong legacy: 195 matches officiated, including 90 first-grade games and four first-grade grand finals - two as the lead referee, and two on the sidelines.

Group 7 will miss his dedication and professionalism on the field - but they’ll be watching with pride as he continues his journey on the big stage.