Anyone who’s taken the whistle for one game knows the commitment and effort that goes into refereeing. So for someone to reach 1000 games is something special.
Peter Cooke will reach that mark on Saturday when he takes charge of the Hunter Rugby Premier 2 between Wanderers v Merewether Carlton Premier 2 at No2 Sports Ground.
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Cooke started his life playing rugby league before moving to Queanbeyan in 1967.
He would fall in the love with the game, eventually earning his NSW Referees Badge in 1972.
From 1976 to 1980, he refereed Sydney Subbies first grade, followed by a year of officiating in Queenstown, Tasmania.
As his Medicine studies took him across the state, he would ref games in Tamworth and the ACT before settling in the Hunter in 1981 as he joined the Newcastle Rugby Union Referees Association (NRURA).
Throughout his 40 years at the NRURA, Peter has been a member of the Committee and Executive, including positions of Secretary, VP and President.
His commitment and passion for the game has been evident to see, with his record of four games in a day something he remains proud of to this day.
“Peter is dedicated and unassuming and you would never have known he is on the threshold of this achievement,” NRURA president Bob Hawes told Newcastle Weekly.
“One, we are unlikely to see again and one we think may be unprecedented nationally and, perhaps, even internationally.
“Our association is delighted Peter’s milestone won’t be going unrecognised and that says much for the respect he has earned on his long pathway as a referee and medical officer.”
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Peter to this day has never missed a game thru injury and has never pulled out of an appointment, often serving as the Head Medical Officer at Test matches and Super Rugby games in Newcastle.
To this day, he will still pull double duties often as he takes the Under 9's in the morning before reffing the P2's in the afternoon
His near half-decade blowing the whistle will be rightfully honoured when he takes the field for their clash between the Blues and Greens, receiving rightful recognition for his incredible service to the game.
