More RFL ineptitude. Was he in the cadets system like Cobb? If so, there's why he's been given a contract. They want to prove their system works.

Your post is fairly typical of 2016. (1) Assume that some wild claim (in this case"Mikalauskas is utter crap"[/i) is a given, rather than the mere opinion it is; (2) have a random thought (in this case"there is a conspiracy to promote from the cadets system to 'prove it works' [/i)" and then, (3) without a shred of evidence, 'upgrade' it to an actual theory.

Finally, totally ignore the natural outcome of the suggested conspiracy theory if true (that promoting someone to Championship reffing despite being totally useless, would do the precise OPPOSITE of "proving the system works" - in fact it would be the [iworst [/ithing they could do)

I'd suggest Mikalauskas at this level is very green, and it showed, but has been judged ready to step up a level so has been given a chance. I've read about his background and he seems to be a thoughtful and intelligent guy, and a player and a fan, as well as having devoted a lot of his life to reffing at all lower grades, so i don't think he deserves a total "incompetent" character assassination. I'm happy to cut him some slack. Sure he won't find the video great viewing but then even the highly experienced long-time pro refs can have bad days at the office, and he has an excuse, he's still learning. We need new refs and how else do you suggest we get them, if not giving people precisely like the up-and-coming Mikalauskas some genuine and meaningful opportunities?
rl2009 Article - see page 8rl

There have been all sorts of tales and stories about the match officials setup, notably on the 'retirement' of Silverwood, and then the controversy around comments by Thomason and Stokes, I have no insider knowledge of the RFL's setup and doubt it's perfect, but am of the opinion that the referees in general and newly promoted officials in particular are not fair game for extreme bagging like yours. I doubt Mikalauskas is a tender soul, but still it would be deeply unpleasant to read a gratuitous opinion that you reffed a relatively big game not because you were thought a promising ref, not because you'd earned the chance; no, you'd been thrown in when not fit to be in, and cynically sacrificed on the altar of public opinion, as collateral damage just to somehow "prove the cadet system works".

Over criticism of referees is fine as long as you're willing to let someone who's never done your job before come to your place of work and pick apart everything you do and then post it all over social media.

I'll take that as your daily swipe at somebody is aimed towards me today.

I was merely hypothesizing, though my wording could have been better.

I think he did three out of four or five of our games over a very short period - so it was more than the one bad day.

I can remember 3 games he's done of ours this season. I was at 2 of them and listened to the other on the radio. Whilst the radio commentary team were less than impressed with him, I personally don't judge him on that. I didn't see it myself, so don't echo someone else's opinion. However the 2 games I have seen him in this year, he was dire. Totally lacking control, conned by players incredibly easily and seemingly some sort of eyesight problem. It is possible he had 2 (3) bad days. It's also possible he's terrible at his job. Either way, you would think becoming full time will only improve him, it surely can't make him worse. So from that viewpoint, maybe not that bad a thing. I'd just rather we didn't get him again until he has improved or has more "good days".

And yes I appreciate saying it can't make him worse is like saying Bradford's season next year can't get any worse. Much like we've said for about 10 years on the trot, only to be proven wrong.

Yes I know what you mean. But actually last season was our best for a long time (fair enough it didn't have much to beat) and but for one missed kick,(and/or probably but for one crocked stand-off) despite all the, errm, let's call them 'issues', we would've been in SL in 2016

It seems to me your typical rugby league fans , who think stood 100 metres away from the pitch seem to see more than the refs. Why don't you take up the whistle up then you can be closer to the action.

We pay our money and reserve the right to vent the week's frustrations at them.

They perform an important role.

Can you point me in the direction we're this is the said rule, as I thought the entrance fee allowed you to the glorious facilities and watch a rugby league game.

This old chestnut again.

We'll do it after we've been head coach after being critical of Lowes and the CEO after Ferres.

I'm sure one or two have been highly unimpressed with what's happened in far off lands so we'll referee after sorting the Middle East too.

I won't say on here what my job is, but if I'm crap at it, I get criticised by a number of people. I don't get criticised often, because I am good at it. But if I make a mistake, I accept that it's my own fault I'm getting that criticism.

But referees should be different? That's up there with the suggestion that players who are crap should be protected if they're relegated against getting a pay cut or losing their contract. Because they're more important than normal people.