Referee James Little one has introduced his retirement from the RFL match officers record.
The 39-year-old is stepping down to focus on his profession as a chartered surveyor, after officiating in 333 Tremendous League video games.
Little one has been concerned in 4 Rugby League World Cups, together with the match in autumn this 12 months.
He additionally took cost of the 2017 Tremendous League Grand Closing and the 2022 Problem Cup last.
He has additionally been a contact choose in 5 Problem Cup finals, eight Grand Finals, seven World Membership Challenges and two World Cup finals, and broke new floor for rugby league by showing within the BBC’s LGBT Sport Podcast.
Little one defined his choice to step down, telling the Rugby Soccer League’s web site: “I have been refereeing since I used to be 11 so this was a troublesome choice to make, nevertheless it’s the best time for quite a lot of causes.
“I’ve all the time mixed my function as a match official with my career as a chartered surveyor, and after 17 years with Leeds Metropolis Council I am becoming a member of the world’s largest industrial actual property providers and funding firm, CBRE, as an affiliate director of their growth advisory crew – based mostly within the Leeds workplace, however working throughout the north of England.
“I am unsure at this stage whether or not I will be staying concerned in rugby league in an lively capability however I’ll stay a passionate supporter of the game I’ve all the time liked, and can all the time bang the drum.
“I’ve had so many great experiences and reminiscences all through my years within the sport. To be appointed for a significant match is an honour and a duty – and to be within the center for the Problem Cup last this summer time was a particular second, because the competitors has a lot historical past and I have been watching all of it my life.”
Steve Ganson, the RFL’s head of match officers, mentioned: “James has been provided an thrilling function outdoors the game and we want him nicely. James has been a senior member of our group and I used to be delighted to nominate him to referee each the Problem Cup last in 2022 and the Grand Closing in 2017. He leaves with our thanks and finest needs.”
