NSW Cricket Umpires’ and Scorers’ Association is pleased to announce the Country Umpire Representative Panel for 2025-26 with three changes made to the group responsible for overseeing Country Cricket NSW representative matches.
Long-serving Western Zone umpire Graeme Glazebrook has made the decision to step down after 11 seasons as a member of the CURP, whilst Rod Porter and Kate Rowlands join the panel for the first time.
Country Umpire Coach Neil Findlay praised Glazebrook’s contribution to the panel since joining in 2014, “Graeme set the standard for other umpires on the CURP, his presence and contributions will be greatly missed.
“Graeme’s match management, decision making, and fieldcraft were all always of an exceptionally high standard. He has been widely respected by each of his colleagues on the CURP and by captains, players and team officials alike.”
Glazebrook officiated more Country Cricket NSW senior finals than any other umpire – with eight Men’s Country Championships finals, six Men’s Plan B Country Bash T20 finals, one Country Shield final, and one Bradman Cup final.
He received the Kevin Pye Medal for Country Umpire of the Year on six consecutive occasions, and umpired at six Australian Country Championships, including two men’s division finals.
State Umpiring Manager Darren Goodger welcomed Porter and Rowlands to the Panel, “Rod and Kate are both welcome additions to the Country Panel, and we wish them both all the best for an enjoyable and successful experience as members of the Panel.
“They are capable, committed and respected match officials who strive for excellence and deserve this opportunity, each having performed very well in season 2024-25.”
Central Northern’s Rod Porter joins the CURP for the first time, bringing to the Panel eight years of experience umpiring in NSW Premier Cricket, following his decision to umpire with his local Maitland District Cricket Umpires’ Association.
During his time officiating NSW Premier Cricket, he umpired 117 matches – with 65 coming in Men’s First Grade – also umpiring the AW Green Shield Final twice, in 2020 and again in 2024.
A member of the Far North Coast Cricket Umpires’ and Scorers’ Association, and this season included on the NSW State Umpire Panel, Kate Rowlands joins the Country Panel for the first time.
Rowlands made great strides last season, appointed to Cricket Australia’s U16 Female National Championships carnival, where she was selected to umpire the Final as New South Wales Metro defeated Queensland in Ballarat, whilst locally she also officiated in the final of the LJ Hooker Far North Coast Cricket League where Cudgen Hornets defeated Marist Brothers.
The panel of ten umpires will service Country Cricket NSW representative programs, including the Country Championships and Plan B Country Bash, and be invited to officiate matches in NSW Premier Cricket First Grade throughout the season.
Country Umpire Coach Neil Findlay enters a sixth season in his role, working closely with panel members in an individual coaching capacity.
NSWCUSA congratulates each of those selected on the Country Panel and wish them the very best for their involvement in country cricket throughout season 2025-26.
The full NSW Country Umpire Representative Panel for 2025-26 is:
|
Umpire |
Zone |
Cap No. |
|
Dave Cullen |
Greater Illawarra |
44 |
|
Jeff Egan |
Riverina |
56 |
|
Brenton Harrison |
Riverina |
54 |
|
Greg Jones |
Western |
39 |
|
Keiran Knight |
Newcastle |
55 |
|
Murray Le Lievre |
Riverina |
57 |
|
Rod Porter |
Central Northern |
59 |
|
Phil Rainger |
Newcastle |
42 |
|
Kate Rowlands |
North Coastal |
60 |
|
Steve Wade |
Newcastle |
58 |