One of the most experienced referees in the National Rugby League, Ashley Klein joins the podcast this week. Ashley has done it all in rugby league officiating, Grand Finals in both the NRL and Super League, Challenge Cup Finals, World Cup Finals and State of Origin. His attitude and insight into officiating is one to be listened to.

Belinda Sharpe (Sleeman) made rugby league history by becoming the first female official in the National Rugby League. Belinda tells her story about starting refereeing in Rockhampton and how the sport has taken her to places she never imagined. She also talks about the positive experiences she has had working in a male dominated sport.

Tim Roby is one of the NRL's most unique referees. In this episode Tim shares his journey from making the grade in the English Super League and the embarking on a career in Australia. A very intelligent man, who has a great insight into the game of rugby league and how the culture of the sport differs between the hemispheres.

NRL referee Jon Stone joins the show and shares his story about balancing a career in the NSW Police Force and refereeing in the National Rugby League. Jon also talks about how a significant amount of resilience was required to overcome two injuries that prevented him debuting for over twelve months.

"Refereeing saved me... If it wasn't for Rugby League and refereeing in particular, my life could have been on a completely different path". With over 300 games under his belt, "The Badge" shares his story in NRL Indigenous Round. From growing up in the streets of Waterloo to the sacred turf of Suncorp Stadium. In this episode Gavin tells how he discovered his heritage and makes the most of every opportunity he gets.

Gerard Sutton tells his story about moving from country NSW to become one of the game's most credentialed officials. Sutton describes the difference between sacrifice and choice and how the game of rugby league has enabled him to discover his family his on the Western Front in France.

Former NRL player and Kiwi representative Henry Perenara joins me whilst on tour together in Papua New Guinea. Henry shares his experiences of transitioning from a first grade player to a test match referee. In this podcast, Henry explains the correlations he has made between to two levels of involvement and how there is a pathway for young New Zealand officials.

Tom joins me from the West Coast of the USA for this episode. With in excess of 450 games in the United States, Tom explains the challenges and journey he has experienced so far in his attempt to umpire Major League Baseball. 

Officiating in one of the world's most watched competitions, Chris Kavanagh and John Brooks share their insights in refereeing elite football. Having made his EPL debut in the 2017, Chris delves into the intricacies involved in football refereeing on the biggest stage whilst John shares his story about officiating in over 100 EPL games as an assistant refereeing and his experiences in an FA Cup final and Champions League games.

Following the successful inaugural season of Suncorp Super Netball, Grand Final and Commonwealth Games netball umpire, Michelle Phippard joins the podcast. From first hitting the courts in Victoria to one of the elite level umpire in the world, Phippard tells of her experiences in the international game, the importance of remembering why people begin umpiring and how she has balanced life as an international lawyer, mother and elite netball umpire.

This very special podcast is with Graeme Atkins, NRL premiership winner and player with the Parramatta Eels and Eastern Suburbs Roosters. As my father, Graeme shares some of the stories from his playing career and the relationship he had with referees as well as the influence the likes of Jack Gibson, Ray Price and Steve Edge had on match officials. He also talks about the role parents play in supporting their child throughout their refereeing career. 

Former leading NRL Referee Tim Mander joins the podcast. The Grand Final official tells of his experience coming out of the Queensland Rugby League system, the challenges he faced with attempts to manage his individuality and how being a leader on the field has help him transition into State Politics.

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes in order to prepare NRL referees? Strength and Conditioning Manager, Cameron Black and Sport Scientist, Matt Jeffriess join the podcast to explain the inner workings of preparing elite match officials, both physically and mentally. They provide us with a sneak peek into the intricate work involved in getting the best out of each official all year round.

In this episode, AFL field umpire talks about his experiences umpiring at the elite level. He tells of his Grand Final experience and how a program close to his heart has helped to build a unique culture amongst AFL officials on game day.

Les joins me for this intriguing episode. In  such a combative sport, the role of the referee is vital. Les tells of his transition from professional boxer to boxing referee and how he has learnt from some of the world's greatest boxing officials in the aim of improving his refereeing. 

In this episode, National Basketball Referee Michael Aylen tells of the trials and tribulations of becoming a professional in the NBL. Michael shares his insight into how the sport intends to recruit up and coming refereeing talents and how refereeing the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant in the 2012 London Olympics taught him  about never giving up.

English Super League Referee James Child joins the podcast to share his experiences of becoming one of the UK's leading officials. With a number of Challenge Cup and Super League Grand Final appearances under his belt, James tells of his ambitions to achieve greater accolades in 2017 as well as what he has found when officiated on the international stage.

Marc Van Gestel is the Chief Race Steward for Racing NSW. In this episode Marc shares some insights into what is involved in the officiating of horse racing, the pressures of making big decisions that impact on a number of financial stakeholders in the race game and how he and his team operate to ensure fair racing is occurring across the state.

In this episode, former professional rugby player Nic Berry tells his story of transforming from player to full time referee. Berry discusses the challenges involved in refereeing across the globe along with the mental transition involved in becoming a match official.

Jarred Gillett is one of Australia's leading football referees. In this episode, Jarred shares his experiences of becoming a full time official, refereeing overseas and the role technology is set to play in football refereeing.

Simon Taufel was an International Test umpire. Voted the world's best from 2004 to 2008, Taufel is one of the most respected sporting officials in the game and currently plays a significant role in the development of up and coming cricket umpires

NRL Referee Matthew Cecchin joins The View From the Middle Podcast to speak about his progression into the National Rugby League, dealing with controversy and adversity as well as living with a secret hidden from the game.

Wheelchair Rugby League player Nathan Pentecost chats with me about living with a disability in western Sydney and his achievements and challenges across his life.

YouTube sensations NeWest join me for a chat in this weeks episode. The hip hop group have gone viral on YouTube and things are on the rise for the group of western Sydney entertainers