The Canberra Rugby League community is in mourning with the passing of long time former Canberra Region Rugby League Chairman and respected NSWRL referee, Noel Bissett on Anzac Day.

Canberra Raiders CEO, Don Furner today paid tribute to Noel Bissett,

“Noel was a highly respected referee and administrator and had been involved with the game for over 50 years in Canberra and the region. He is also one of the first Life Members of the Canberra Raiders and joined the ranks of the NSWRL Referees officiating NSWRL matches when the Raiders were admitted to the NSWRL competition. He has made a significant contribution to the development of rugby league in Canberra. We have lost a true gentleman a great rugby league man. Noel always popped into the Raiders office and stopped to say hello to everyone. No one ever said a bad word about Noel and just as importantly, you never heard Noel say a bad word about anyone. “

These sentiments were echoed by Canberra Region Rugby League Chairman, Gary Green.

“I have known Noel since my return to Canberra in 1985 and a truer gentlemen you could not meet. His dedication to rugby league can be matched by few others from his early playing days at North Sydney through to joining the ranks of the Referees where he excelled.

Noel has given so much to the local rugby league through the Canberra District Referees Association and as Chairman of the Canberra Region Rugby League, a position he held for 12 years. Noel was also Chairman of The Men of League where he worked with his committee giving back to the greater league family for those in need of a helping hand.

Noel lived for Rugby League and we will surely be worse off in this great game at the passing of Noel Bissett

Noel was a very dedicated loyal and passionate person in all aspects of his life

Our deepest sympathies go out to Noel's wife Lorraine and his family.”

Noel Bissett was also inducted into the ACT Sporting Hall of Fame in 2018 for his contributions to Rugby League.

Details on a memorial service for Noel Bissett will be advised once current Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted.