Hicks on a high for big showdown

Robert Hicks: touch judge of the year.

ROBERT Hicks says it was a “proud moment” when he was announced as the first Super League touch judge of the year.

The 33-year-old, from Austerlands, is the inaugural winner of the prize, which is picked by a team of coaching staff who oversee the officials.

Hicks said: “It is a really nice accolade to have as it rewards decision-making.

“I’ve probably done two games a week this season, so I’ve been kept busy. To be chosen as number one was certainly a proud moment.”

Preparation has been the watchword for Hicks this week. He is officiating at Saturday’s Super League Grand Final, with St Helens and Wigan Warriors locking horns at Old Trafford.

Hicks, fellow touch judge Tim Roby and match referee Phil Bentham have spent the week readying themselves for the big game.

He explained: “Tuesday and Wednesday were used to go through various drills and what challenges we might face. We also look at how the teams play. It’s an important part of what we do.”

Hicks was also on the line at this season’s Tetley’s Challenge Cup final between Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers.

So how do the two showpiece rugby league occasions compare?

“The Challenge Cup final is a different kind of event,” said Hicks. “It is weekend away for fans and rugby league enthusiasts from other clubs, whereas the Grand Final is very intense. The whole Super League season comes down to what happens over 80 minutes.”