Robert Hicks has been appointed as referee for Saturday’s first Test between England and New Zealand at the KCOM Stadium in Hull.
Hicks has already refereed both the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final and the Betfred Super League Grand Final this season.
The same team of officials have been appointed as for the Grand Final with Chris Kendall and Richard Thompson – a 46-year-old solicitor who will be on home territory in Hull – as touch judges, and Ben Thaler as video referee.
The appointment of Oldham-born Robert is not only the third top honour for him in the space of a few weeks (he handled the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final at Wembley and the Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford) but recognition also for the Oldham RL Referees Society and the game locally.
As most people will know, Robert is the son of Ray Hicks, a former Oldham prop and now a leading light in the Oldham Players’ Association, who hold their annual dinner at St Herbert’s on Broadway on Friday, November 2.
For more information about that event, and for tickets, ring Bernard Halford on 07714520063.
Saturday October 27, England v New Zealand, first Test at KCOM Stadium, Hull (2.30pm).
Referee – Robert Hicks
Touch Judges – Chris Kendall, Richard Thompson
Video Referee – Ben Thaler
Reserve Referee – Gareth Hewer
Reserve Touch Judge – Marcus Griffiths
Match Commissioner – Tony Randerson
Time Keeper – Stuart Marshall
