A SIMPLE but heartfelt gesture has marked the outstanding contribution a young man made to Toowoomba's rugby league community.

Balloons in the referee's uniform colours of green and black were released in honour of talented match official Adam Schwerin at the weekend.

Toowoomba Rugby League Referees Association member Terry Phillips said under-16 players from Souths and Highfields made the gesture in recognition of the 18-year-old's efforts.

Mr Schwerin and his workmate Nic Burton, 20, died in a car crash in Central Queensland on Tuesday last week.

Mr Phillips said he often called on Mr Schwerin to referee junior grades as well as under-18 matches.

"I would rely on him nearly every weekend for him to referee a couple of games for me," Mr Phillips said.

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He said Mr Schwerin's style was to let the games flow rather than try to bring attention to himself.

"It was more about letting the kids play the game," he said.

"The spotlight wasn't on him."

Mr Schwerin's talents earned him control of under-18 matches.

"In doing his first couple of under-18 games this year was an indication of his ability," Mr Phillips said.

"He had a pretty good rapport with the players and they seemed to respect his refereeing style."

Mr Phillips said the teenager had the skills to become a successful referee in higher grades.

"I certainly had him slated for bigger and better things," he said.