All three wouldn't be good enough for a girls U12 team

Thaler used to play for his school, comes from a family of players from the looks of it.

Hicks played for Saddleworth as a junior, grandfather was president there

Can't find anything online for Cobb

Don't be so obtuse.
Mindless rant or otherwise, if everyone had to spend time on here explaining every minutiae we'd be here all day (& night). If you can't get past the point I was trying to make that they haven't played at top level, and aren't given the resources to be properly professional, then excuse me for breathing.

If someone was playing top level rugby, they are hardly likely to suddenly stop playing and take up refereeing during their career. So your pool would be restricted to retired players, leaving guys starting to learn the ropes at 33+ years of age, possibly not being fit enough to ref at top level by the time they have spent a few years finding their feet, whereas currently many officials start as teenagers. I don't see how your point would benefit the game. If you don't think any refs are good then you either have unrealistic expectations or don't properly understand the rules

My dad always used to say "You don't have to have been a horse to be a good jockey!".

I see no reason why a ref needs to have played the game. He just needs to be fit, have good eyesight, know the rules inside and out, and finally be a good communicator.

Of all the refs I like Thaler. He makes mistakes, as would anyone, but he refs the game with a sense of humour, and takes no messing. He seems to have the respect of the players.

The worst is Child. He doesn't yet have the players respect. I don't know if he ever will. But I hope for all our sakes that he is able to improve.

Child has a "i'm a wee guy your not going to bully me" mentality. Bit like a Jack Russell

Ref's need a good rapport with players and a sense of humour as well . Thaler has that . Always remember Mr Ganson saying to a Bradford player who was complaining about a decision "Look son it's not my fault your are at Rugby League" . Silenced him lol

Regards , EW