But, former National Rugby League (NRL) referee Shayne Hayne has the utmost confidence in the new batch of officials operating within Hunter Valley Group 21.

The man who oversaw 328 first grade games, 14 State of Origins and four NRL grand finals in an illustrious career popped into the region at the weekend – and liked what he saw.

Hayne ventured to Olympic Park and McKinnon Field on Saturday, before returning to the minor semi-finals at Muswellbrook 24 hours later.

“I’m the director of referees for Group 21, Newcastle and the Central Coast, however I don’t get up [there] as much as I’d like,” Hayne said.

“So, I utilise the services of Angus Whalley, Joey Butler and Rob Newman (juniors), who do a great job for me.

“We provide [coaching] feedback to help the others in the area.

“These days, we treat refs like another team.

“When a coach addresses his players at half-time, we’re no different.

“We also have a chat and identify a few things – it could be anything from positioning to how the game’s going, watching the 10m to working a bit harder.

“It’s important, for me, to offer constructive advice, as well as educate Angus (Group 21 Referees Association president) in his role.

“That way he can also assist them.”

Hayne has big raps on Butler, Nick Martin and Jesse Rutter, who are members of the NRL High Performance Academy.

“They’re very impressive,” he said.

“Could we have more [refs]?

“The answer is always going to be ‘yes’.

“But, they have the potential to be there [the NRL].

“I believe they boast the right attitude.

“They’re hard workers, understand the game and dedicated to refereeing.

“Even if Group 21 lost them to the NRL, there’s a good young crop coming through with the likes of Jackson Walsh, Corey Martin, Lachlan Ballard and Campbell Schmierer.

“And, all are willing to learn.”

Hayne, who’ll revisit the area on grand final day in less than a fortnight, said the local refereeing ranks had changed a lot in the past two decades.

“The year 1999 was the last time I officiated in Group 21,” he said.

“But, they’ve built up a good culture up there.

“It’s like a family – the guys genuinely get on well.

“Even though they are competing against each other, they work together as a team.”