Robert Hicks : « The Challenge Cup final was historic »

VERSION FRANÇAISE

Treize Mondial met with one of the best referees in Super League, Robert Hicks. He accepts to talk with us about his memories, his vision of rugby league and the future of Super League.

Robert, can you introduce yourself in a few words ?

I’m 37 a trained solicitor who became a full time referee at the start of the 2011 SL season. I live with my partner and 2 children Charlie 7 and Eva 5.

Your father played rugby league, why did you stop playing at 16 ?

Yes my father played for several professional clubs including Oldham and Keighley before coaching at Swinton. I played as a junior and at school but was physically not good enough or skillful enough and so took up refereeing.

How did you become referee ?

At 16 i used to be a touch judge at my local club Saddleworth Rangers where my Grandad was the President. I spoke to several referees and they convinced me that ot would be good and enjoyable

What is your best memory as a referee ? And the worst ?

Best memory : refereeing the Challenge Cup Final it was a match i have always been to as a child with my father and has so many family memories.

Worst : all bad performance are bad memories from which we learn but worst memory is probably finding out Chris Leatherbarrow had been found dead at his home when i was in the changing rooms after finishing an international match.

How do you react to insults in the stadiums or on social networks towards referees ?

You dont hear them in the stands as you are concentrating on the game. On social media i just accept that you cannot please everyone and ignore them. If they are too personal then block works well.

Do you realise that you participated in one of the most beautiful moment in French rugby league ?

Yes the Challenge Cup final was a historic moment for rugby league in the UK France and worldwide. The cup is the greatest Cup tournament in Rugby League with so many historic moments. For me the satisfying thing was that people were talking about the teams players and the result and not me or my fellow team of officials. We did our job on the day to a very high standard and contributed to a great match.

Emotionnaly, what was your best memory in 2018, the final of the Super League or the Challenge Cup ?

Challenge Cup as it has more history for me. However both finals were great honours to referee and great memories. I want to do them both again.

You also refereed during the last World Cup, what does this mean for you ?

I was very proud to referee at the world cup. I learnt a lot from the experience of working with officials from the NRL and being in a camp environment where we shared ideas thought and ways of working.

The Catalans often feel that they are not treated like the others because they are French, what do you want to answer them ?

We all know they feel that. I and the other referees though just try to do our best and call it as we see it. I know Steve McNamara and our boss Steve Ganson are in regular dialogue and we work with the club to try to break down barriers as we do with every Super League Club. Mistakes happen but they are genuine mistakes and we dont like to make them but every club suffers calls that go against them.

What will be the new rules introduced in the Super League for 2019 ?

The shot clock and reduced interchange will improve the amount of time the ball is in play and ensure the sport improves as a spectacle.

The NRL has two referees on the field since 2009, why is there still only one in the Super League ?

We need to trial 2 referees and ensure we deliver a good product and standard of officiating that works for the sport. It is intended that we will go to 2 referees in 2020.

Idriss Ahamada