Chris, 29, who has been referring in NSWRL ranks for two seasons [including last year in the graded ranks] has been upgraded to the Emerging NRL Referees ranks. His 28 year-old younger brother Matt will have his first experience in the NSW senior ranks after officiating at last season's South Coast Group 7 first grade grand final.

Chris Treneman said the whole NRL experience was hectic - training one day a week from 7am to 4pm as well as one even with the graded squad. Work commitments at Westcliff Colliery prevent him from attending another full-day session.

"I'm really enjoying the whole experience - you have to be as fit or fitter than the players and we did a session with the Sydney Roosters last week and kept up fine, so that was a plus," Chris said.

"I will probably start with the Under-20s and I suppose it's just a matter of keeping on refereeing well and taking it as far as I can. It's nice to be promoted to the Emerging squad after doing competitions like the NSW Cup, Sydney Shield, where I was awarded the grand final last year, and Ron Massey Cup."

Matt Treneman has had the advantage of seeing what is involved in the higher level from Chris and has long been considered an up-and-coming Country Rugby League referee, with a series of top CRL appointments and last year's Under-18 national championships grand final in Darwin under his belt. He said he was looking forward to the next step in his career.

"We will be training in Sydney on Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm to 7.30pm and I am looking forward to stepping up."

The pair was quick to thank the South Coast Group 7 Referees Association for their continued encouragement.

"People like director Peter Ryan, secretary Ben Byrne and president William Drury have been tremendous and theirs, and all the other members' support is really appreciated."

For his part, former director of deferees Peter Ryan said he was delighted about the Trenemans' progress.

"It's a wonderful achievement for both boys," he said. "Chris is, as far as I know, the first Group 7 referee to be graded and it has taken a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication to make it as far as they have."

"Matt has learned a lot and has had the advantage of seeing what is involved through Chris, and I think is ready for the challenge.

"In fact I puff my chest out with pride every time I see them refereeing in higher company and couldn't be any prouder."