Match Officials Confirmed For Cook Islands Test Match

Match Officials Confirmed For Cook Islands Test Match

Auckland, New Zealand September 7, 2011 - Two NZRL Match Officials have been appointed to the upcoming Kiwis vs Cook Islands test match in Rarotonga on October 6.

Henry Perenara will referee the match, with Shane Rehm as Touch Judge/Reserve Referee. Cook Islands officials will be appointed to the remaining Touch Judge position, Reserve Touch Judge and Interchange Officials - acting as a great development opportunity for the Pacific nation.

Henry, a former NRL first-grader and Kiwi test representative, is currently a member of the NRL fulltime referee squad. He refereed the Junior Kiwis v Junior Kangaroos match in Wellington last year and made his NRL first grade debut as a referee in the Roosters v Raiders match earlier this year.

Henry said: "It is an honour to represent New Zealand as a referee. Knowing what it feels like to play for the Kiwis, I feel just as privileged as a New Zealand test referee."

Shane has had a rapid rise in his career as a Match Official, refereeing at the 2009 Pacific Cup, 2010 Four Nations and also the Rotorua Junior Kiwis v Junior Kangaroos match. Shane made his NRL Touch Judge debut in the Warriors v Storm match this year.

He is also a recipient of a SPARC Prime Minister's Scholarship, which allows him to undertake training with the NRL referees and coaches as he pursues a fulltime contract with the squad.

Shane said: "It's a huge honour to represent New Zealand on the international stage. I look forward to extending my international experience and travelling to Rarotonga to officiate in this one-off match."

NZRL Referees Manager, Marc Harris, said: "Henry and Shane's appointments to this match are a testament to their progress and dedication as high-quality Match Officials. This match will add to their experience on the international stage, and we are also happy that the Cook Islands have the opportunity to further develop their best Match Officials."

The Kiwis international programme begins with this historic first-ever match in Rarotonga against the Cook Islands (October 6), before they travel to Newcastle, Australia to play the Kangaroos (October 16). Packages including flights, accommodation and match tickets for these games are available from Flight Centre; visit the NZRL website www.nzrl.co.nz/kiwis-match-schedule for details.

The Kiwis' Four Nations campaign opens against Australia at Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington (October 28), before they play the opener in a double header at Wembley Stadium in London against Wales (November 5). England will play Australia in the second game that day. The Kiwis then travel to Hull to play England (November 12). The Four Nations final will be played at Elland Rd, Leeds on Saturday November 19. Visit the NZRL website www.nzrl.co.nz/kiwis-match-schedule for the link to buy game day tickets.

-ENDS-

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