THE refereeing community is in mourning following the news that decorated Australian official Kevin Roberts has died.
‘Bilko’ Roberts refereed the 1983, 1984 and 1985 grand finals after playing first grade for South Sydney in the 1960s. In announcing the news on January 2, the NSW Rugby League Referees Association did not give a cause of death,
“Kevin ‘Bilko’ Roberts began refereeing in the Eastern Suburbs district and later became a member of the South Sydney Rugby League Referees Association,” the statement read.
“After being graded in 1972, Kevin made his first grade debut in 1975 in a match between Balmain and St George at Leichhardt Oval. His NSWRLRA number is 631.
“Over the next 14 seasons Kevin ran in 273 NSW Rugby League first grade matches, including the grand finals in 1983, 84 and 85.
“On the representative scene, Kevin refereed six State of Origins, six Tests (including the 1985 World Cup), four City vs Country games and a NSW vs Great Britain Lions match.
“He was awarded life membership of the NSW Referees Association in 1992, the George and Amy Hanson Award in 2000 and the Eric Cox Medal in 2012.
“A long-serving member of the NSW Police Force Kevin was also awarded the Police Service Medal during his career of more than 40 years, and the Australian Sports Medal in 2000.”
