Nathan Blanchard's passion for junior development leads to life membership

Blanchard has filled the role of Group 10 JRL's referees' co-ordinator for the past 11 seasons, and at last Monday night's annual general meeting, was elected as junior vice-president.

But he'd no idea that he was in line for life membership. Not even when Evan Jones offered him a premature congratulations prior to a function on Thursday night did Blanchard realise the honour was headed his way.

It was not until retiring Group 10 JRL president Martin Power handed him the life membership badge that Blanchard understood what had happened.

"It was a complete surprise. Evan Jones actually congratulated me when we first got to the establishment, I was like 'Oh thanks, no worries.' I sort of didn't know if he was having me on a little bit, literally none of the other executive had said anything," Blanchard said.

"I was shocked, I honestly didn't think I'd even be looked at for such a prestigious award."

Blanchard was delighted to be presented with life membership on the same evening that Power, Chris Smith and Guy Ruddy retired from the board.

He said he could not have fulfilled his role without their support - but even then was surprised they had decided to bestow him, a referee, with life membership.

"Sometimes referees aren't seen for the job they do, so to be given such an honour, I spoke to Christine and I think there's only nine junior rugby league life members, to be one of those is pretty special," he said.

"I don't think it's happened before, I'm not 100 percent certain, but I would think it's very unusual for it to happen. It's usually presidents, secretaries, vice-presidents, they're the life members, that's why I never thought that I'd be considered for it."

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Blanchard never played league himself, but watched his older brother play for St Pat's and ran water in his games before thinking he would like to become a referee.

Doug Masters helped him get his ticket and since then Blanchard says he's "never looked back."

He has had highlights controlling senior fixtures - including his first Group 10 premier league grand final in 2008 - but helping junior players and referees is something Blanchard finds just as rewarding.

"I love what I do with the junior league, I love my role and I've loved working with the guys I've worked with and their passion for the game," he said.

"That development role, giving them the opportunities, that's what I'm really passionate about. I love seeing kids involved in rugby league and I'll continue that as long as I'm involved.

"Just watching both sides out there giving their all, having fun with what they're doing, even with the referee side of things, watching them grow with their talent ... it's really positive and for me it's rewarding.

"I love refereeing junior games, I call it getting back to the roots, back to the basics.

"You just go out there and have some fun, do a bit of coaching out there and just making sure the kids are having fun and enjoying it. The last thing you want to do is go out there and think you're the reason why everyone's watching."

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