On top of his game
JCU Bachelor of Physiotherapy graduate Wyatt Raymond is at the top of his game when it comes to performing under pressure and making the right call. Wyatt completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree in 2020 and works as a physiotherapist once a week. The rest of his week is spent training and officiating at rugby league’s highest level - the NRL.
Many rugby league fans will already know Wyatt’s face, given he has now refereed over 40 NRL games.
He takes charge of games with a cool, calm and professional demeanour that is required for elite-level sport, especially in a game as fast and fierce as rugby league.
But away from the bright lights and cauldron atmosphere of NRL game day, Wyatt applies that same calm professionalism to his physiotherapy work.
“I really enjoy it, and one of the things I like most about working in physio is talking to the clients,” says Wyatt. “It’s a nice escape from the pressure of refereeing, and I really enjoy helping people live pain-free.”
Small steps, big dreams
Wyatt’s journey into refereeing began long before the bright lights of the NRL, having been a rugby league fan from day one.
He played the game in his youth in Townsville and progressed through the junior playing ranks, but it was his performances as a referee with the Townsville and Districts Refereeing Association that really ignited Wyatt’s passion.
“I love the game and I always wanted to be involved in it, and as a referee you’re right in the middle of everything,” says Wyatt, who refereed his first rugby league game at 14 years of age.
“I realised fairly early that refereeing was something I could do, and from there that passion just grew.”
After honing skills in Townsville, Wyatt stepped into the senior ranks with the Queensland Rugby League High Performance Unit and became a standout match official in the Queensland Cup, which is a rugby league competition ranked one step below the NRL.
In 2021, Wyatt made the leap to Sydney to become a full-time NRL match official, and he started his journey towards the top by officiating the sidelines as a touch judge. He was a touch judge for NRL finals games and World Cup clashes before finally refereeing his first NRL game in the middle of the field in 2024.
“I was just hoping there would be an opportunity because it was a dream I had for many years, and now I get to experience it, week-in, week-out,” says Wyatt.
“It’s always an amazing experience to be out there in charge of a game. You go through the ups and downs, and the pressure can be massive - and those experiences you can’t really prepare for – but I always enjoy those challenges.”
Out of the spotlight
Wyatt is living his dream in more ways than one after completing his Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree.
The degree has allowed Wyatt to fulfil his other passion: helping people get the most out of life.
His weekly physiotherapy work is set in an environment far removed from the pressure and relentless noise of an NRL stadium.
“I’m based in Sydney and I usually work every Monday,” says Wyatt. “It’s a very rewarding line of work and I love to help get people moving again and living life at their very best.
“It’s a good way to connect with people as well, and I enjoy getting to know the clients. It’s one of my favourite parts of the job.”
Study that worked for him
Wyatt started his Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree at JCU in 2017 after finishing high school, and he benefited from flexible learning that allowed him to study while training and officiating in local competitions.
“I had a lot of support when it came to my studies at JCU. I was able to balance full-time study with my training and make sure one thing was not falling behind the other,” says Wyatt.
“The physiotherapy staff at JCU were really understanding, and they were able to help me work around my refereeing commitments. It made my uni experience much less stressful and I was able to complete everything that was required. I’ll always be grateful to them.”
As a fully qualified and working physiotherapist, Wyatt has another leg up when it comes to his on-field occupation.
“Having a physiotherapy degree from JCU has been enormous for my career. It has helped me perform at the highest level week in, week out, and I love being able to assist squad members where I can to help get the most out of their preparation and recovery,” says Wyatt.
Future in his hands
Sometime in the distant future, Wyatt will channel all his professionalism and attention to detail into physiotherapy.
It’s a future he looks forward to, and with a JCU degree behind him, his physiotherapy career could take him anywhere.
But right now, he’s where he’s meant to be – in the middle of the footy field with a whistle in his hand.
“I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be. Sometimes I have to pinch myself because this is a dream I’ve always had,” says Wyatt.
“I’ve had a lot of help along the way, and JCU helped me achieve my goals.”