Bill Harrigan
Referee
Player Bio
- Inducted:
- 2024
- Date of Birth:
- 24 May 1960
- Birthplace:
- Sydney, NSW
- Nickname:
- Hollywood
Career
Milestones
- Refereed 393 first grade games 1986-2003
- Controlled 10 grand finals between 1989 and 2003
- Officiated 24 Test and World Cup matches 1990-2003
- Officiated 21 State of Origin games 1991-2003
Biography
Renowned for his ability to let the game flow and work with the players to ensure a quality spectacle, Bill Harrigan had the whistle in 393 first-grade games between 1986 and 2003.
His first grand final in charge was the epic 1989 decider between Canberra and Balmain and he would go on to referee a record 10 grand finals in total. Harrigan refereed 21 State of Origin matches between 1991 and 2003, and 24 Test and World Cup matches, including the third and deciding Test in the 1994 Ashes series between Australia and Great Britain at Elland Road.
A former member of the NSW Police Tactical Response Group, Harrigan had the ideal temperament to control high pressure matches and quickly earned the respect of players.
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