Referee's report round 23

Shayne Hayne returns to First Grade after just one week on the sidelines following his costly error when officiating in the Sharks and Knights clash two weeks ago. The Central Coast born referee will be in charge of the important fixture between the Broncos and Storm up in Brisbane on Sunday afternoon.

Paul Simpkins has been appointed to Friday night footy this weekend when the Knights and Sea Eagles meet in Newcastle. Simpkins has been in the number one position for the grand final the last two seasons, however has missed out due to poor decisions in the Finals Series. Hopefully he has a good one on Friday and keeps his dream alive.

Fellow South Sydney referee, Gavin Badger will make the trip across the Tasman for the Warriors and Cowboys clash. Gavin has been given good reports by assessors over the last weeks and earnt the Raiders and Broncos match in Canberra last Sunday.

With the NRL?s new rules that top referees can officiate in Premier League semi-finals, Gavin could be looking at some Jersey Flegg matches in September.

Tony Archer continues his rise to the semis, as he will be at Toyota Park on Saturday night for the important clash when the Eels travel to Cronulla. A couple of tips to Tony from one referee to another, stop his whistle from sounding like a six year olds one and make his hair look like that of a refereeing standard.

When east meets west on Saturday night Jason Robinson will be there in charge. It will be the second time this year Jason referees a Penrith match that may have something to do with it being his own town.

For the second time in three weeks Sean Hampstead will take to the field to referee a St George Illawarra match. The last time he did so was when the Dragons went down at home to the Melbourne Storm while this time they will play the second placed Bulldogs at Telstra Stadium. Will Sean be at that same ground on the 1st of October?

One man who also might be is Steve Clark. He makes the trip out to Campbelltown Stadium where the Tigers are at home to the Raiders. The last time these two clubs met was in an extra time thriller at Canberra Stadium, where referee Tony Archer gave a controversial stripping penalty to the Raiders, which was converted by Clinton Schifcofske to give the home side the two points.

Ben Cummins drops back to Premier League with the return of Shayne Hayne to first grade.