Referees Kasey Badger and Belinda Sleeman have created history after being promoted to the NRL full-time ranks
The duo were on part-time contracts leading into the current season but after referees' boss Bernard Sutton upgraded their contracts, they could officiate a game in the middle one day.
Badger, who worked at the NRL full-time as a referee's education officer, will shift her focus to achieving higher honours with her new full-time offer.
"I was a bit shocked when I was told but I am over the moon," she told NRL.com.
Queensland based Sleeman took a step closer to becoming the first women to officiate an NRL game when she took control of a trial match between Brisbane Broncos and Wynnum Manly Seagulls earlier this year.
"I come to Sydney most weeks anyway so it will be a bit of a change but I'm looking forward to it," Sleeman said.
"I have a good understanding of the level of the game but to be in this environment moving forward training full-time is certainly going to help us refereeing both on and off the field."
Related Articles

Viva Las Vegas: Join Golf Australia magazine's Matt Cleary on a golf and rugby league spectacular

19 Holes With ... Chad Townsend and Val Holmes
