.. except this time it's a referee. Former Welsh rugby union referee James Jones has Super League ambition Full story below. www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk ... story.html

.. except this time it's a referee. Former Welsh rugby union referee James Jones has Super League ambition Full story below. www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk ... story.html

No, he's not my dad.

I've no idea who many games of RL he's played in his life, but rest assured, he never played a game of RU in his life either, apparently, so I was told.
It sounds like he's learning his trade in the South Wales game.

Long way to go in his development yet, but the deeper a pool of match officials the game has to pick from the more chance it will bring the good ones to the fore.

Much like football, I'm disappointed at the lack of former pro players who take up officiating after retirement. Even if they quit at say 35, they've still got a good ten years or more, and their knowledge of the game and empathy with the players gives them a head start on someone who has never played the game to any kind of decent standard IMO.

That's a good idea, and maybe we could put forward suggestions of players in their twilight years who are familiar with the rules and procedures.

I nominate Gareth Hock.

Lee Briers too, who every week demonstrated his knowledge of the laws of the game and ability to communicate them to match officials.

Well, Kevin Sinfield has shown you don't need to wear a referees shirt to referee games

Sir Kevin , please.

There was a Blackpool Borough player who became a touch judge after he retired from playing, can't remember his name offhand.

Was it Jim Molyneux ???

Also Jamie Bloem.

the only recent ref who played at a higher level I can remember was Jamie Bloem

Who was the RL ref who went to union a few years ago, Kirkpatrick I think his name was. Wonder if he made it, seeing as union is far more complicated than league. This bloke might be ok, he will have to get used to players trying to run the game for him.

More than enough match officials post on these forums. We read their " expertise " every week but somehow their physical presence is never seen.
Shame, as it obvious they must have so much to offer.

Kirkpatrick was a fine example of the RFL's muddled thinking when it came to match officials.

When the decision was taken to make them full-time, he was offered a "take it or leave it" deal by the RFL for less money than he was on in his full-time job. Not surprisingly, he turned it down and was told to pack his bags. A good, experienced referee lost to the sport.