Kiwi ref hangs up whistle

Seasoned Kiwi NRL referee Henry Perenara has confirmed his retirement from the game after blazing a trail by moving from playing to officiating. A lock or second-rower, Perenara played for Cronulla, Melbourne, St George Illawarra and Parramatta, and won a single cap for New Zealand in 2001 before moving into refereeing in 2007. He went on to oversee 214 matches at NRL and test level. Earlier this year he was forced to stand down from on-field officiating due to a heart condition and moved into the NRL’s bunker where he failed to recommend a send-off for Latrell Mitchell in the Rabbitohs’ win over the Roosters in round 24. ‘‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in footy,’’ said Perenara, who will become a mortgage adviser.