He and his dad drove to the Pacific School Games from Mudgee and arrived in Adelaide ready to tackle the tour together.

After adjudicating 17 matches, Sutherland was assigned the under 12 boys’ grand final role – a clear demonstration of his commitment and competence.

What made Sutherland’s achievements impressive was that he was the second youngest referee at just 15 years of age.

He spent his time in Adelaide refereeing some of the best, young touch players in the country but also made friends from around the world.

Adam Sutherland, who drove his son to the city of churches, is a big supporter of the Pacific School Games.

“The concept is really good in the fact that it’s a school games,” Adam said.

“It’s all focused on kids and Alex gets along well with a lot of the referees there so he was always going to make friends.”

Between Bennetts, Sutherland and Neaverson-Smith, Mudgee’s contingent was strong.

“For a town the size of Mudgee to have three representatives in touch football alone is huge,” Adam said.

Alex has spent more time playing than refereeing but when he had the chance to get his certificate four years ago, he took it.

“There was an opportunity to do my level one course in Mudgee,” Alex said.

Sutherland moved to level 2 at the start of 2016 and has been reffing in bigger tournaments, leading to a berth in the Pacific School Games.

Reflecting on the tour, Alex had as much fun seeing the sights as he did on the paddock.

“Getting around Adelaide and seeing the city was great. I made new mates as well.”