Source: www.foxsports.com.au
LEADING English referee Russell Smith will officiate during the first few weeks of the NRL competition.
The NRL accepted an offer of Smith's services for at least eight weeks and the 41-year old will referee his first game in a trial match between St George Illawarra and Manly on February 26.
He has refereed three Super League grand finals, 25 Test matches and last year's tri-nations final between Australia and Great Britain.
Smith said he was looking forward to the challenge.
"I think it will be a great experience," Smith said.
"I've refereed Australian players at the highest level and I believe I'll be able to adapt to the Australian conditions pretty quickly.
"Obviously everything comes down to form and I'll be getting into training with the Australian referees as soon as I can get there."
NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said Smith would be considered for first grade matches when the season starts.
"Russell approached us about gaining experience in the NRL and we were only too happy to take advantage of his services," Annesley said.
"There is no question that he has proven himself as an on-field official and (referees coach) Robert Finch has already said that Russell would be considered as a first grade referee.
"It's another pointer to the strength of the NRL that people want to at least experience such a strong competition."
LEADING English referee Russell Smith will officiate during the first few weeks of the NRL competition.
The NRL accepted an offer of Smith's services for at least eight weeks and the 41-year old will referee his first game in a trial match between St George Illawarra and Manly on February 26.
He has refereed three Super League grand finals, 25 Test matches and last year's tri-nations final between Australia and Great Britain.
Smith said he was looking forward to the challenge.
"I think it will be a great experience," Smith said.
"I've refereed Australian players at the highest level and I believe I'll be able to adapt to the Australian conditions pretty quickly.
"Obviously everything comes down to form and I'll be getting into training with the Australian referees as soon as I can get there."
NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said Smith would be considered for first grade matches when the season starts.
"Russell approached us about gaining experience in the NRL and we were only too happy to take advantage of his services," Annesley said.
"There is no question that he has proven himself as an on-field official and (referees coach) Robert Finch has already said that Russell would be considered as a first grade referee.
"It's another pointer to the strength of the NRL that people want to at least experience such a strong competition."
