Bill Harrigan, motivational speaker
and Australian sports and NRL icon
Whilst
most people have an opinion on Bill Harrigan acknowledged
as Australia's finest sporting official, very few
people really know him.
Although
now retired Bill was and is the best referee the game
of Rugby League has ever known.
He
has a profile equal to the major players. It was quoted
in the Australian publication 'Rugby League Week'
that the four most prominent names in rugby league
at the time were Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns, Gordon
Tallis and Bill Harrigan.
Having
refereed a record number of Grand Finals, State of
Origins, Test matches and first grade games it is
without doubt that he has played his own part of the
most spectacular matches in rugby league history.
Bill has seen the games best players up close - often
in his face.
But
there is more to Bill Harrigan than the game.
From
growing up in Sydney's western suburbs to dealing
with hardened criminals and life threatening situations
as an elite police officer with the NSW tactical response
group and the special weapons and operations squad,
he has seen the best and the worst life has to offer.
Upon
retiring from his high profile refereeing role Bill
spent twelve months in a ground breaking move with
the Sydney City Roosters as their consultant. In 2005
Bill returned to the NRL as a referees consultant
and is the CEO of Australian Oztag . Along with his
high demand of media commitments Bill Harrigan is
very much now considered as one of the games best
advisers.
A
family man of more complexity and sensitivity than
the figure often presented in the media, a two time
winner of Australia's prestigious 'Official of the
Year" Sports Award and more recently a best selling
author with his autobiography 'HARRIGAN', Bill will
give you a true insight to what drives him to success
on and off the field.
Bill
Harrigan is now regarded as one of Australia's leading
motivational speakers . He is living proof that if
you set your goals and follow them with commitment
and dedication, you can achieve great results in whatever
you choose to do.
This
is your chance to get to know the real Bill Harrigan.
He will captivate you with his on field recollections
and will motivate you with his determination to be
only the "very best".
Refereeing profile, all records.
§
393 First Grade Games
§ 21 State of Origin
§ 25 Test Matches
§ 10 Grand Finals
'What can we say about Bill Harrigan? There is only
one. A unique and thoroughly enjoyable experience
is to be had when you come face to face with the most
talked about referee of our time. As he was when he
officiated on the paddock, Bill Harrigian is thoroughly
professional and an eloquent speaker on the challenges,
incidents and joys of his careers and life in general".
Pam Shelton President CMAA Brisbane.
'I
could not think of anyone better than Bill Harrigan,
given his profile at the time and given his exceptional
work ethic and focus on keeping fit'.
'It
became apparent and obvious to me that Bill was also
wonderfully gifted at public speaking and had the
ability to draw a crowd in and keep their interest
for long periods of time'.
'Bill's
address was first class and best-practice: he did
not refer to any notes and engaged everyone in attendance
including those that knew about Rugby League and those
that did not'.
'I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending
Bill Harrigan to anyone or any company who required
a Key Note speaker or someone to address a group in
any capacity. His delivery and execution are first
class'
Darren Grace Senior National Business Manager Woolworths
Meadow Lea Foods
'I
look forward to the opportunity of working with you
again and should the situation arise I would happily
put you forward for appearance at a corporate or social
event that needed a personality who has a message'
.
Angie Morrisby Straight 2
'Bill
Harrigan exceeded our expectations as a captivating
and engaging speaker at the A.B. Paterson College
Corporate Breakfast in May this year. At such an early
hour, Bill wasted no time in rousing the audience,
managing to delight and enthuse with his genuine warmth
and energetic story-telling ability'.
'His
anecdotes were always entertaining and, on a number
of occasions, we felt as though we were right in the
moment, drawn onto the field with him!'
A.B. Paterson College
Unafraid of controversy and determined to speak the
truth, he is just as much a character off the field
as he was on.
Bio
2
William
James Harrigan was born in Sydney in 1960, and grew
up in the western suburbs.
He
joined the Police Force in 1979, where he spent 17
years. Most of his career was spent in the Tactical
Response Group (TRG), dealing with riots & hostage
situations, and where he trained as a negotiator.
His last 5 years were in the Witness Security Unit,
from where he left the force, as a sergeant, to become
a professional Rugby League referee.
Bill
started refereeing by accident in 1977, officiating
in the rough and tumble world of a Western Sydney
pub competition. It was here that he developed a love
for the role that would see him become our finest
sporting official.
Bill
was graded to the NSWRL Referees in 1983, and made
his First Grade debut in 1986.
In
the intervening years, Bill has gone on to officiate
in over 380 First Grade matches, 9 Grand Finals, 22
Test Matches and 21 State of Origin Matches (plus
2 during the Super League war). His record continues
to grow.
Bill
is married to Lesley, has 4 wonderful sons, and lives
in Sydney.
Website
Bill
Harrigan official website
Sports
Speakers
Football
Legends
NRL
Articles
NRL
chief admits Harrigan may quit, by By Steve Mascord
- 1st October 2003
(Credit:
The Sydney Morning Herald)
NRL
chief executive David Gallop says he wouldn't be surprised
if referee Bill Harrigan retired after Sunday night's
grand final.
Rumours
that the game's most decorated match official plans
to give the game away have gathered momentum since
he announced the release of a biography next Tuesday.
Asked
if he would be surprised if Harrigan quit, Gallop
said: "No.
"He's
talked to me about making a decision in the off-season
so we've certainly talked about it.
"I
told him I've got some misgivings about him publishing
a book before his career finishes.
"While
it's his decision, naturally he's going to please
some people and upset others, and that might not necessarily
be a wise thing to do before his career finishes.
"But
that's not trying to encourage him to retire."
Harrigan
was under pressure from Tim Mander to win Sunday's
appointment, but when Gallop was asked if an imminent
retirement would have counted in Harrigan's favour,
he said: "Absolutely not."
Referees
coach Robert Finch said that while "David knows
Bill better than me", he did not think Harrigan
was planning to leave the game.
"Given
how he has been talking this week, I would be surprised
if he quit, yes," Finch said.
Harrigan
and other NRL referees are not allowed to speak to
the media during the finals.
Suggestions
that the man who will control a record seventh consecutive
grand final at Telstra Stadium on Sunday is favoured
for two post-season appointments are only muddying
the waters.
Harrigan
is thought to be first in line to control the New
Zealand-Australia Test at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland
on October 18 and the Great Britain-Australia game
in Hull's KC Stadium on November 15.
Grand
finalists Sydney Roosters have signed Manly five-eighth
Luke Dorn for next season.
Meanwhile,
Panthers fullback Rhys Wesser says he never seriously
entertained joining the Roosters in mid-season, when
he was off contract and heavily linked to them.
"Not
seriously," he said. "That was an option
. . .I was always going to stay a Penrith boy. My
heart's at Penrith and all my friends are here."
Both
teams are unchanged for Sunday's game, with Shannon
Hegarty (ribs/hip) cleared by the Roosters and Tony
Puletua (knee) missing Penrith training but not in
doubt.
Australia
and Cronulla coach Chris Anderson's rivalry with the
premiers' boss, Ricky Stuart, flaring again yesterday.
Commenting
on Anderson's contention that the Penrith forwards
were capable of running over the top of the Roosters,
Stuart told reporters: "It's not surprising coming
from Chris. I think he'd do anything for us to get
beaten this weekend."
Anderson,
for his part, has suggested Penrith five-eighth Preston
Campbell is in the running for the Kangaroo tour.
"If he plays good at the end of the season, he'll
obviously put himself in the window," Anderson
said.
Wests
Tigers have switched their home game against the Warriors
next year to Jade Stadium, Christchurch.
Attention:
Media: contact pr@mediaman.com.au
Media
Man Australia publicly congratulates Bill Harrigan
for assisting in raising awareness to worthy causes
such as beyondblue
and National Breast Cancer Foundation
|