Joe Gogarty, field referee Mitch Dwyer and Warwick Strong at the Southern Inland Rugby Union grand final in Wagga.
When it comes to rugby union, there’s not much Deni duo Warwick Strong and Joe Gogarty haven’t done.
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They have played, coached and now refereed the game they love.
The best mates and Deniliquin Drovers Rugby Union Club stalwarts were both running the sidelines at the recent Southern Inland Rugby Union first grade grand final.
It was on the very same field that they have both played in grand finals, coached grand finals and now officiated.
The men were assistant referees (touch judges) for the top grade decider, played on September 3 in Wagga Wagga.
Strong was officiating as AR-1 and Gogarty as AR- 2, running the lines as a support system for the field referee.
Strong has an unwavering love for rugby and has been a player for 26 years.
He coached for six, and has now been refereeing for the past seven years.
“I took on refereeing to stay connected to the game and give someone else a run at coaching, as you can tend to get a little stale.
“It is an opportunity for me to stay involved at a higher level and remain in contact with all the clubs.
“I have done a lot of first grade games throughout the season”.
As part of his new role, Strong finds himself travelling all around the region.
And while it takes him off the farm, he said it is an honour to be involved.
“Refereeing as a past player enables players and coaches to treat you with respect, especially when you govern well.
“Players pick up quickly on a referee’s game control.
“When you understand what they are all thinking, it allows you to bring out the best in the players and coaches”.
Strong also refereed the second grade grand final on September 3, and described it as “as intense and prestigious as first grade level”.
Joe Gogarty and Warwick Strong confer during the grand final.
What made the grand final more memorable this year was the opportunity to officiate with his mate and fellow rugby enthusiast.
This was Gogarty’s first year officiating a grand final.
While “shocked” to be appointed to a first grade game, he said it was on his wish list.
“As a referee it is something you are striving for (to ref a top level grand final),” he said.
“But to have two Deni guys with such history together at the ground was very special”.
Gogarty’s chance to referee was bittersweet, with his chance only coming when the Deni Drovers were forced to go into recess this year.
After two years of pandemic affected sport, the club was unable to field a full team for SIRU’s second grade competition.
Gogarty said his continuation as a referee will be dependent on a Drovers season 2023 decision at the upcoming Drovers AGM.
“We’re working on rebuilding the club,” Gogarty said.
“We are following up talk of some interest from new players, and welcome anyone to come to the AGM and see what we are all about.
“Finding numbers is a little bit challenging.
“How next year is looking will determine what role I look towards for next year.”
The Drovers AGM will be held Wednesday, October 12, at 6.30pm at the Deni RSL Club. All executive positions will be open for nominations.
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