Referee Hicks fulfils ambition

ROBERT Hicks takes charge of a Super League match for the first time on Sunday when Leeds Rhinos take on Crusaders RL.

And the Austerlands-based official (28) is determined to make the most of his big break.

After running the line for five years, his patient wait is finally over.

Hicks said: “This is a huge opportunity for me so hopefully I can go out there and perform.

“I have been running the line in Super League for a few years but refereeing the games has been the aim.

“One of the six full-time referees isn’t available on Sunday so I’ve been handed the chance to take over.

“It is down to the match officials department to assess how well I do and decide if I can do it again in the future. I certainly hope I can.”

Hicks started officiating junior games at 15, and, three years later, became the youngest referee at the national amateur cup final.

Despite his swift rise to the top, he still gets nervous on match day.

“If you don’t get apprehensive you are not focused and you don’t care about what you’re doing,” he added.

“There will be some nerves jangling on Sunday. There is a lot riding on every single match, and the

officials have a big influence on the outcome.

“But I am confident I can go and give a good account of myself, and in doing so hopefully get the chance to referee more Super League matches in the future.”

Hicks also had his say on the old debate about the level of respect in different sports.

He said: “In rugby league, you get much more respect from the players than you do in football.

“But I have to say, the crowd at rugby league matches aren’t much kinder than football supporters.

“We are the people they love to hate and I can’t see that changing any time soon.”