Wondered what it is like to be a top rugby league referee?
FOR the first time this season we’ve had a successful week all round – almost!
The first team demoralised Wigan – but we won’t mention the Academy lads coming second in the same fixture.
There was another good turnout at the Shoulder Of Mutton with an excellent atmosphere for the game.
And once again we had an outstanding evening at Turnbridge with referees Michael Mannifield and Tara Jones. Michael is a local lad and Giants supporter. He now regularly referees games in the Championship.
Like all none full-time Super League refs, Michael has, in effect, two full time jobs – the one which brings the money in and being a Championship referee.
He gave a great insight into the role. For instance, a referee has to be seen to back his/her matchday officials, especially if he/ she does not see what has taken place. However, it is the referee who is accountable for that decision – even if it is wrong and not based on his/her call.
That is why a senior referee has officiated two matches in the Championship when the in-goal official was wrong over the Adam Walne sin-binning.
When watching the Giants, Michael tries to have his objective head on, but sitting alongside the Eastwoods he does sometimes get carried away! Tara played junior rugby for Crossfields with her brother but had to stop when she was 12 – an RFL ruling.
She went on to become the St Helens Ladies first captain in last season’s Women’s Super League. In between time, to keep her love of rugby alive, she took up refereeing.
She was so good that last season she was refereeing in the National Conference League before making her Super League debut in March.
In addition, Tara is an England Women’s RL International.
Next month we shall have Natalie Woolford as our guest at Turnbridge. Visit Giants Supporters.co.uk. for details.