Collegians Under-18s player and promising young referee Matthew Arregui has been awarded the prestigious 2026 University of Wollongong Col Purcell Illawarra Rugby League Centenary Scholarship.
Established in 2012 as the final project of Illawarra Rugby League’s Centenary celebrations, the annual scholarship supports talented young people from the Illawarra and South Coast as they pursue their studies at the University of Wollongong.
Arregui is currently studying a Bachelor of Exercise Science and has already made an impressive contribution to rugby league as both a player and match official.
A Southern Highlands Storm junior, Arregui was also selected in the ISC Steelers Laurie Daley Cup squad this season.
His involvement in the game extends beyond the playing field. Arregui officiated the Under-16 Division 1 Grand Final last year and was subsequently named the Group Seven Junior Rugby League Junior Referee of the Year.
The scholarship recognises young people who demonstrate a commitment to education and rugby league, while helping them balance their academic studies with their continued involvement in the game.
The award is named in honour of Colin “Col” Purcell OAM and his extraordinary contribution to junior rugby league throughout the region.
A widely respected administrator and volunteer, Col was recognised with life membership of six local rugby league organisations. His wife, Billie, was also awarded life membership of the Illawarra Junior Rugby League for her outstanding service to the game.
The Col Purcell Centenary Scholarship continues their legacy by investing in the education and development of emerging members of the Illawarra rugby league community.
Arregui’s achievements as a player, referee and university student make him a fitting recipient of the 2026 scholarship.
Previous winners
2013 – Zack Baker (Wests); 2014 – Brendan Woods (Wests); 2015 – Max Bailey (Thirroul); 2016 – Riley Lord (Thirroul); 2017 – Jackson Walsh (Collegians); 2018 – Jack Butler (Collegians); 2019 – Riley Graham (Thirroul); 2020 – Chelsea Aylett (Woonona-Bulli); 2021 – Keele Brown (Illawarra Steelers – Tarsha Gale Cup) and Benjamin Lavender (Illawarra S. G. Ball); 2022 – Will Olteanu (Thirroul); 2023 – Michael Mouawad (Thirroul); 2024 – Brendan Douglass (Helensburgh); 2025 – Jackson Smith (Thirroul).
Main Picture: Steelers Chairman Graeme Gulloch with scholarship recipient Matthew Arregui