Phil Horwell has been a referee in more than 2000 games across five different decades and is now a Wagga Touch Association Life Member. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.

Phil Horwell has clocked up some impressive milestones in his 40-plus years touch football career, but none more so than gaining his National Referees’ Badge at the age of 73.

The Wagga man’s long service to the sport was recently recognised when he was named Wagga Touch Association’s newest Life Member.

Along his journey, which includes officiating at more than 2000 games, he has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in rugby league.

“Originally, my background was rugby league,” he said.

“I was never going to go pro or anything like that, but I was playing first grade. I played in a team with Australian fullback Graham

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