Hicks scoops referee award

Robert Hicks

A HECTIC and increasingly successful 2016 just got even better for Oldham referee Robert Hicks when he won the First Utility Super League Referee of the Year award for the first time.

Hicks, a legal and compliance manager at the RFL when he's not officiating, was recognised at the annual referees' presentation evening in Halifax last Saturday, just hours after he was the man in the middle at England's dramatic Four Nations tournament opener against New Zealand at Huddersfield's John Smith's Stadium.

"It's been a good year so far for me, I have to admit," said Hicks, who refereed the recent Super League Grand Final showpiece between Wigan and Warrington at Old Trafford.

Asked about England's 17-16 defeat against the All Blacks ­- when Shaun Johnson nailed a winning drop-goal ­- Hicks (pictured) added: "It was a great game to be involved in. It was very intense and the atmosphere was brilliant. Unfortunately for England they couldn't quite get over the line, but they matched New Zealand all the way."

Hicks will find out on Monday whether he gets the nod to referee either of the final two Four Nations matches.

New Zealand play Scotland on November 11, while England face Australia on the November 13.

This Saturday, England play Scotland and Australia face New Zealand, both at the Ricoh Arena.