Wembley rugby medal joy for Robert

WEMBLEY winner . . . Robert Hicks with his medal

Modest Robert Hicks added a special silver lining in his meteoric rugby career when he made a surprise debut at the rugby league Challenge Cup final at Wembley on Saturday.

The 26-year-old from Austerlands took over as a touch judge five minutes into the second half when Steve Wright from Dewsbury — officiating at his final match — pulled a calf muscle.

And Robert joined other officials on the triumphant walk up the steps at Wembley to receive his medal from sports minister Andy Burnham.

The final, played in brilliant sunshine before an 82,000 crowd, saw St Helens beat Hull 28-16.

Robert, a solicitor, inherited his passion in the sport from his legendary grandfather, Ken Fisher, president of Saddleworth Rangers, who died a few weeks ago.

And Robert’s father, Ray, landlord of The Three Crows at Scouthead and an ex-professional player with Oldham and Keighley, watched proudly as his son received his honour.

Ray said: “If Ken had been alive he would have been hugely proud of Robert. It was a very emotional day.

“I couldn’t believe it when he walked up the steps at the end of the game with other officials ahead of the players to receive his medal. It was marvellous.”

Robert, who works for North Ainley Halliwell, said: “Granddad and my father’s lifelong involvement with rugby really fired up my interest in the game. But, as a youngster, I realised my skills would be better served by referring. I just wasn’t cut out as a player.

“My Wembley debut has still not really sunk in. I was so involved with the game I did not really have time to think.”

He took his first step refereeing junior games at 15, and, three years later, became the youngest referee at the national amateur cup final.

Now he is regularly seen running the line at televised Super League games.