Gold Coast rugby has a national award winner in its ranks. GCDRRA referee Gerald Rasaiah has been named Rugby Australia's Match Official of the Month for June 2026, recognised as part of a nationwide program that celebrates outstanding officials from across the country.
Gerald has been a fixture of Gold Coast rugby for a decade, refereeing since 2016 and regularly putting his hand up to travel and support other associations and games, on top of his commitments closer to home. It's that consistency and willingness to go the extra mile (often literally, behind the wheel) that's seen him recognised at a national level.
We chatted with Gerald about the award, his refereeing journey from club rugby in Sri Lanka to the paddocks of the Gold Coast, and what keeps him coming back to the whistle week after week.
GCDRU: Congratulations on being named Rugby Australia's Match Official of the Month for June. What was your reaction when you found out?
Gerald: I just couldn't believe it, I was so overwhelmed to have been selected as MO of the month, with tears of joy.
GCDRU: You've been refereeing on the Gold Coast for a decade now. What first got you into officiating, and what's kept you coming back week after week?
Gerald: Back in Sri Lanka I played college and club rugby, but gave up playing due to family commitments.
After a 2-3 year break I thought, 'why not try taking up the whistle?'
That was way back in the year 2000. Coming to Australia in December 2016, I've been part and parcel of GCDRRA since then.
GCDRU: What drives you to put your hand up and continue to serve the rugby community?
Gerald: It's my passion and I really love what I do.
It makes me so happy to be out on the paddock, no matter the distance to travel, and to do my best in making everyone happy at the end of the day.
GCDRU: Over 10 years on the whistle, how have you seen the game change on the Gold Coast, whether that's playing standards, participation, or the culture around officiating?
Gerald: The game has changed a lot.
The competition we had a couple of years ago seems to have a downward trend, with some teams not in the comp anymore - it's sad to see them go.
The standards have improved though I reckon.
The culture is good, and the players accept my decisions no matter what.
GCDRU: What's the toughest part of being a referee that people watching from the sideline might not appreciate?
Gerald: The toughest part is when I miss something! With my height and with big guys in front of me, I'll often hear "come on ref, Gerald, didn't you see that?"
Also, when they see the yellow or red.
GCDRU: Best on-field memory?
Gerald: When I signalled for a penalty in a senior club game, the captain gave me a high five and a hug!
GCDRU: For anyone on the Gold Coast thinking about picking up the whistle, what would you say to them?
Gerald: We are there to help you out in the middle.
If you have that knack to referee, ignore the sideline screams, be confident, just go out there.
No matter if you make a mistake, we are all human beings, so just be the boss at that moment.
Come join the bandwagon of the GCDRRA. It's full of fun and enjoyment!
GCDRU: What does this recognition from Rugby Australia and Harvey Norman mean to you personally?
Gerald: It meant a lot to me to be recognised as the MO of the month.
Firstly, a big shout out to RA, QRU, GCDRU, GCDRRA, also to all the other referee associations which I am a member of, the management committees including the clubs, coaching staff, players, referee coaches, fellow referees.
Title sponsors Harvey Norman for this great gesture - thank you once again.
I owe everything to the one above; a big gratitude to my late Dad and Mom, relatives, friends far and near, and last but not least, you the spectators - a big thank you.
Without you guys, there's no rugby and I am nothing.
GCDRU: Congratulation Gerald and thankyou for your incredible service to rugby on the Gold Coast.
