Shayne Hayne calls time on 14-year career

NRL referee Shayne hayne has announced his retirement from officiating professional Rugby League matches following 14 years and over 320 matches in charge.

The 47-year-old, who will become a mentor to the game’s emerging whistleblowers, went out on a high in the 2014 NRL Grand Final.

In total, the Australian has refereed four Grand Finals, 14 State of Origin matches, and eight internationals. He is third on the all-time list of appearances behind Bill Harrigan (391) and Col Pearce (343).

“I’m very proud and honoured to have refereed grand finals, State of Origins and Test matches,” he told Fox Sports.

“I’m also extremely happy to be able to now pass on some of that information to other referees.”

NRL referees’ boss Tony Archer said: “Shayne has achieved everything possible on the field when it comes to refereeing.

“He was the first and only official to officiate in an NRL grand final as referee, touch judge and video referee.

“But just as significant was his off-field contribution within the squad. He is a great team man and has helped so many other referees in game.”

NRL head of football Todd Greenberg added: “There are not many players who play more than 300 games and there are not many referees who can referee more than 300.

“It is a remarkable achievement and Shayne has earned a significant amount of respect from the players and coaches.”