*Willow for the Blues*
The Hamster (dorkus maximus)
Personally, I always thought referee Sean Hampstead looked like a bit of a dork.
Of course, its not the sort of thing I would normally telegraph across the horizon.
But that all changed this year.
The Hamster, as he is affectionally known, was adjudicating the round 12 NRL clash between the Sharks and the Roosters. Following a comeback from the Roosters, the match was locked up at 12-all at full time. The Sharks were desperate, they had just let a handy lead slip away and were now facing the prospect of extra time football. With the struggle ahead utmost on the players' minds, Sharks forward Lance Thompson made his way to the sideline in readiness for the next gruelling stanza.
Running up behind him was our Mr Bean look-a-like, the Hamster.
"Hey Lance... hey Lance... wait for me...!" said a smiling Sean, grabbing at Thompson's jersey.
"Hey mate... don't strip the ball like you did in that other match, eh?"
Hampstead then let out a churlish chuckle:
"He He He...!"
Quite clearly, Sean is no Groucho Marx.
Suffice to say, Thompson just played 80 minutes of football and had other things on his mind.
"Hmmmph...ugh..." said Lance.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
I'm sure Lance saw the funny side when the Roosters later slotted a field goal to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Afterwards, sections of the media questioned the actions of Hampstead. In particular, bringing up Thompson's past indiscretions and grabbing at his jersey. Was it an attempt at inappropriate intimidation?
No...Sean Hampstead is just a dork.
Of course, this is not the first time Sean has come under the spotlight.
I first starting taking Hamster notes in 2001. During one match, Hampstead blew the whistle five times in the opening 10 minutes. A man on a mission, Sean decided to lay down the law. Player frustration increased. Then in the final stages, following a series of bizarre penalties, an agitated Hamster decided to send off a player for 'kicking'...only problem being that he got the wrong man.
Earlier this year, Hampstead made what was described as a 'horrendous gaffe' in a Roosters v Titans clash. The Roosters eventually prevailed but not before the whistleblower missed a blatant forward pass. To make matters worse, Hampstead ignored a call from his touch judge after the Titans halfback sent a 'quarterback' pass which led to a try.
Surprisingly, Hampstead is lauded as one of our top referees. He 'controlled' two State of Origin clashes in 2004, but he was unceremoniously dumped for the decider. The Hamster resurfaced in 2006, landing the job in Origin I. But it was a dusty performance and Sean's reputation was on the line. Then when the pressure told, Seano folded. During the St George v Parramatta game of round 13 in 2006, Hampstead inexplicably blew his whistle at the scrum base and then told the Parra halfback to play on, costing the Eels a set move. The Hamster copped a shove in the back from a frustrated Parramatta player for his trouble.
To quote comentator Warren Smith, "Sean Hampstead found himself in the house of mirrors."
Granted it didn't make any real difference to the game, but the error was not up to Origin standard. Hampstead knew he had just blown it and history shows that he was indeed dropped, with Steve Clark getting the gig.
Of course Sean has had his good games too. That is compared to referees who are terminally crap. Plus he actually knows the rules of the game - which I imagine is a rather essential part of the job criteria.
I could go on for pages talking about the Hamster. But that would serve no purpose. I'm sure he's not a bad bloke, he eats healthy tucker and looks after his teeth. Moreover, Sean is a not a 'Hollywood' referee. Circus performers like Darcy Lawler, Greg Hartley, Bill Harrigan and more recently, Steve Clark have earned much more derision from supporters. From that point of view, I consider him to be a fine bloke. So in writing this article, I'm only expressing concern for Seano... as you would for a mate. But I'll happily excuse you for dismissing that as a load of superfluous nonsense.
Nevertheless, I think Seano's time is up. That is, time for him to shuffle off that onfield coil, climb the alloy staircase and ascend to that bright place where all referees must ultimately retire... to the video ref's box.
*750 words*
Well done to both sides, sensational game. Disappointing for the Queenslanders only getting 6/7 across the line, but we'll see how it goes. Good luck QLD! (You'll need it 
)
