English
referee Smith retires

Englishman Russell Smith has retired from officiating after 15 years as a first grade rugby league referee.

The former international referee of the year completed the final two years of his career at the NRL with 39 games to become the longest serving international whistleblower on Australian soil. Smith's resume is most impressive with over 50 first grade games, 28 internationals, five Challenge Cup finals, three Super League grand finals, two Tri-Nation?s finals and a World Club Challenge match.

Smith says he hopes to remain in Australia and continue in some capacity with the NRL.