Gunnedah High School student Cobi Jolliffe is building a career in the sport he loves, as he is involved in rugby league at country level and National Rugby League (NRL) level.

The 16-year-old is now in his third year of refereeing in Group 4, and several weeks ago he began a role as an assistant game development officer with the NRL.

Currently juggling his grade 11 school studies with his various rugby league commitments, Cobi remains focused on what drives him most: helping youngsters fall in love with rugby league.

Cobi’s work involves visiting schools, running skills and drills sessions, refereeing gala days, and providing support to young players keen to develop their game.

Although Cobi played football when he was much younger, he said he always wanted to become a referee like his idol Gerard Sutton as well as Gerard’s brother Chris.

Hailing from Coonabarabran, Gerard has refereed NRL grand finals, State of Origin and Test matches while Chris has refereed in the NRL and Group 4.

“My goal is to make the NRL and do a grand final in the NRL,” Cobi said.

A highlight for Cobi was early last month when the Goanna Academy visited Gunnedah High School, featuring former NRL, State of Origin and Test star Greg Inglis along with NRLW players Keele Browne, Nakia Davis-Welsh, Taliah Fuimaono, Grace Kemp, Rachael Pearson and Jakiya Whitfeld.

During the first day of the Goanna Academy’s two-day visit, Cobi ran skills and drills sessions for his fellow secondary school colleagues.

“One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet people like Greg Inglis and work with the Goanna Academy,” he said.

Last Saturday, Cobi officiated several fixtures in the Group 4 junior gala day involving the 15-16 age group at Kitchener Park.

Later that same day, he was a touch judge in the reserve grade and first grade trial fixtures involving the Moree Boars and Goondiwindi Boars at the Moree-based Boughton Oval.

One of the officials at last Saturday’s Gunnedah-based junior gala day was Cobi’s boss Brock Dunn, a game development officer who Cobi said had been a major influence on his direction.

“He’s been a big part in what I’m doing at the moment, and why I want to be where I am,” Cobi said.

Cobi also gave a special shout out to James Brown who has coached him on his refereeing for the past three years, while the teen also gave a shout out to all Group 4 referees who have helped him.