Tony Maksoud announces retirement

THE Queensland Cup has farewelled one of its most pivotal characters, following the announcement that leading referee Tony Maksoud will retire.

Controlling a record five grand finals in the Cup, Maksoud has possibly earned more television appearances than any other figure in the history of the competition.

The 42-year-old school teacher has won innumerable awards, officiated in ARL fixtures and remains the reigning Courier-Mail Referee of the Year.

He retires with his last game being the epic 2004 grand final between Burleigh and Easts, which extended through 17 minutes of sudden death.

Maksoud?s fitness and rapport with players were equally defining characteristics, along with his immaculate uniform and once-flowing hair.

His 16-year involvement in rugby league will continue as an assistant to Referees? Director Eddie Ward, reviewing the performances of fellow whistle-blowers and helping with coaching and education.

On the eve of the Queensland Cup?s 10th season, there is now room in several departments for new characters to emerge, with leading try-scorer Heath Egglestone and leading point-scorer Damien Richters also retiring in recent months.

Grand finals refereed by Maksoud also included 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2002.

No other referee in the Queensland Cup has been awarded more than one appointment.

Thanks to the guys at http://www.qrl.com.au for another great article.