TOP REF RETIRES

Aketon Lad · Post by **Aketon Lad** » 07 Sep 2006, 10:02

Former Super League referee of the year Russell Smith, who has spent the last two years in Australia, has announced his retirement after 15 years as a first-grade referee.

http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... Smith.html

A great shame is this. Rus was a very good ref as well as being a cas lad.

Flat Capper · Post by **Flat Capper** » 07 Sep 2006, 10:11

I still regard him as the best despite the whinging Aussies not liking his interpretation of the rules.

Does anyone know if he will be 'coming home'?

Normy Knight · Post by **Normy Knight** » 07 Sep 2006, 10:37

Flat Capper wrote:I still regard him as the best despite the whinging Aussies not liking his interpretation of the rules.

Does anyone know if he will be 'coming home'?

Hope so, and then take over the running of referee's, I always rated him as number 1.

da_jimbob_7 · Post by **da_jimbob_7** » 07 Sep 2006, 11:52

Just a cynical thought, did we always rate russell smith, because of his post code and then inability to ref against us?

Hence he was unable to give bad decisions and lose us games.

Just a thought.

Flat Capper · Post by **Flat Capper** » 07 Sep 2006, 11:53

Normy Knight wrote:
Flat Capper wrote:I still regard him as the best despite the whinging Aussies not liking his interpretation of the rules.

Does anyone know if he will be 'coming home'?
Hope so, and then take over the running of referee's, I always rated him as number 1.

Now that is a good idea NK. :smt023

Trailer trash · Post by **Trailer trash** » 07 Sep 2006, 13:09

I am intrigued as to what the story is with Russell Smith?

He went to Australia at the top of his game, only for a few month if I remember correctly, to learn from the Aussies etc. Then nothing was ever mentioned about him after that and he just seemed to carry on in Australia. I know he was then demoted earlier this season and now has 'retired' at only 42. He was thought of very highly, especially over here, and It seems strange that he has felt the need to pack it in when there are obviously a few good years left in him.

Maybe his confidence is shot after getting demoted? I have heard he sold his business a few years ago and made a handsome profit so I don't think he needs the money and so maybe doesn't need the hassle anymore? Maybe he just wants to live in Australia from now on and the NRL don't want him reffing anymore but can offer him a role 'upstairs'?

Anyway, just seems a little odd to me that a bloke in the prime of his career has called it off.

Thoughts anyone?

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