Geoffrey Bellew appointed IRL Head of Judiciary

International Rugby League is pleased to announce the appointment of The Honourable Geoffrey Bellew SC as Head of Judiciary.

Mr Bellew will assume the role from Judge Karim Akbar Khan, who is taking up a full-time judge’s role in the United Kingdom later this month.

Mr Bellew has had a long and distinguished involvement in the game, including his current role as Judiciary Chair for the NRL and NRLW Premierships, State of Origin and Pacific Championships.

He has also served as a Justice of The Supreme Court of NSW from 2012 to 2023.  He is currently Chair of the State Parole Authority of NSW and the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal.

IRL Chair Troy Grant said: “International Rugby League welcomes The Honourable Geoffrey Bellew, SC as Head of Judiciary and is fortunate to have a person of his background for this important role.

“I couldn’t think of anyone better qualified or more suited to the position of Head of Judiciary and his experience and knowledge will be invaluable for International Rugby League.

“Geoffrey has had a lifelong association with Rugby League and his father Tom Bellew was one of the game’s great administrators, driving reform and significant changes to the game in Australia during the 1980s and 1990s.

“Among his many roles in the game, including NSWRL Chairman and Australian Rugby League director, Tom Bellew also served as member of the Board of International Rugby League.

“It is therefore fitting that Mr Bellew will now also serve international rugby league as IRL Head of Judiciary.”

Mr Bellew has previously been a director of the National Rugby League (2000-2001), Chair of the Northern Eagles joint venture between Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and North Sydney Bears (2000), Chair of Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (2002-2003) and Chair of the NRL Player Agent Accreditation Committee (2008-2011).

He was appointed as NRL Judiciary Chair in 2015 and remains in the role.

Mr Bellew said: “Rugby League has been, and continues to be, a significant part of my life.  A judiciary system which is fair and open, and which ensures the imposition of appropriate penalties for instances of misconduct, is an important component of the game as a whole.

"To be given the opportunity to extend my present role with the NRL Judiciary to the game internationally is a great honour.  I wish to convey my sincere thanks to the Board of International Rugby League for my appointment, and look forward to serving the game in a new capacity".