When did you decide you wanted to become a rugby league referee?

I have been a PE teacher for 19 years, so I was constantly refereeing school matches.

Someone suggested I would be a good referee with the professionals, and it all really took off from there.

That was back in 1987.

Stuart can see everything from the middle

What are the most important qualities a referee must have?

One thing people forget about being a referee is you have to be very fit, so there is plenty of physical training at Super League level.

As well as having an excellent knowledge of the game, you also have to realise where you went wrong.

Learn from your mistakes, although you shouldn't be making too many!

What makes a good referee?

You have to be calm under pressure and be able to handle top athletes with respect and authority.

In the big matches, you are under extra pressure because you are wearing a microphone and millions of people watching on TV can hear everything you say.

You also need to have good communication skills, to be able to let players know what they have done wrong.