Col Pearce

Who was Col Pearce?

Colin Frederick Pearce was an Australian rugby league referee. He is one of the most widely known and widely respected referees in the history of Rugby League.

Pearce, born in Newtown, New South Wales, was originally more interested in cricket but that changed to Rugby League due to his fascination with the rules and interpretations of the rules of Rugby League. He began refereeing in 1946, promoted to first grade fixtures towards the end of the 1947 season. He then took charge of nine test matches between 1960 and 1967, three World Cup matches in 1968 and six Grand Finals, his first being in 1955 and then the others between 1964 and 1968. He enjoyed a career of 343 first grade games. He was authoritative yet he allowed the game to flow. He had a keen relationship with the players where they would show him respect due to his fair and consistent decision making. His motto was that Rugby League referees should "eat, sleep and drink the rules of Rugby League." He was elected to the Rugby League Referee's Examination Board in 1951.

After his retirement from Rugby League refereeing he had a long career as a Rugby League commentator in the Sydney electronic and print media, with 2UE, Channel 7 and The Sydney Morning Herald.