The RFL has sent its best wishes to Super League referee Tim Roby following his announcement that he has accepted an offer to become a match official with the NRL in Australia.
Roby, 25, will fly out to Sydney in the next two weeks and has a bright future, according to RFL Match Officials Coaching and Technical Director Jon Sharp.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Tim, I have no doubts that he will do extremely well in Australia and we wish him all the best in his new career,” said Sharp.
“Tim is a product of our development programme and his move to Australia is an indication of the high regard in which our match officials are held around the world.
“There are some outstanding young officials emerging through that same development programme and Tim’s departure gives them a chance to realise their ambitions of refereeing at the highest level.”
Roby has refereed over 75 Super League matches over the last five seasons and acted as a touch-judge in some of the sport’s biggest games, including two Challenge Cup finals, the 2014 Super League Grand Final and the Rugby League World Cup.
“It’s always been my ambition to officiate in Australia and my partner and I are hugely excited that this opportunity has arisen,” said Roby.
“I expressed an interest with the NRL some time ago and I am fortunate enough to have been offered a contract on the back of that.
“I would like to thank the RFL for the last five years; it’s been a great privilege to be part of the senior match officials team and I am going to miss working with some terrific people. I wish everyone here in the British game the very best for 2015.”
State of Mind would like to thank Tim for the work he has completed and wish him all the best in the next stage of his career