Ian Smith quits as Referee

[MrDave]

Ian Smith is to step down from his job as Referee to take up a new coaching role developing referees in the lower leagues. His replacement for 2011 will be announced at the end of the year.

Link

Presuming Ganson is still 'suspended' that leaves only 5 full time proven referees and unfortunately Phil Bentham is still one of them.

[Kittwazzer]

That is not good news IMO. Smith was one referee I was happy to see officiating. Can't see Ganson returning so that leaves just Thaler and Silverwood who can control a game!

[cpwigan]

Bobby Goulding was not happy with Bentham either lol

The problem IMO is how the referees are being coached etc. The referee in the Aus v PNG was bereft of common sense or feeling for the game, it's context etc.

[butt monkey]

Ever diminishing quantity/quality of referees for SL.

James Child, Thierry Alibert, Phil Bentham, Richard Silverwood and Ben Thaler are the (currently) only appointed senior referees

God help Wigan having Bentham every other week

[GeoffN]

I've been quite impressed with Robert Hicks in the Championship games I've seen, but I don't know if he'd want to go full time - he's a solicitor.

[Kittwazzer]

Geoff. Wasn't he promoted to SL as Ganson's replacement?