Tim Mander to ref grand final

Tim Mander has been appointed to referee the 2004 Telstra Premiership Grand Final.

The 43-year-old Test referee has controlled 261 first grade matches (including 13 final series games), 6 Tests and four World Cup matches in a career that has spanned 13 years in first grade.

Referees Coach Robert Finch said that the appointment reflected the many years of dedication displayed by Mander at the game?s highest level.

The touch judges for the match will be Steve Chiddy and Matt Cecchin, while Graeme West and Chris Ward are the video referees. The stand-by referee is Paul Simpkins.

?Tim?s earned his chance with consistent performances all year and he?s to be thoroughly congratulated,? Mr Finch said.

?Refereeing in the Telstra Premiership is both incredibly demanding and unforgiving.

?All the referees this year have kept pressure on each other for the number one ranking and I?m extremely happy with their efforts.?

Mander said today that he was looking forward to the challenge of his first Telstra Premiership Grand Final:

?It?s something every referee strives for throughout their career.

?I?ve been refereeing for 28 years and I?m over the moon to have earned this appointment.

?I see it as a tremendous responsibility as well as a tremendous honour.

?I also see it is some reward for the support and sacrifice my family has made to help me get to this point.?