Ex-Super League referee Richard Silverwood hails decision of Leeds Rhinos chief Gary Hetherington

It’s always good and interesting to hear the opinions and views of referees and former officials who have now hung up their whistles.

One of those who is the most vocal on social media is Richard Silverwood who dominated Super League for a decade.

Now, the former official is a regular on social media giant Twitter giving his opinion on the rugby league events of the day and week.

And, following Leeds Rhinos’ Super League semi-final success over the Wigan Warriors on Friday night, Silverwood had some choice words to say about the critics of the West Yorkshire club’s owner Gary Hetherington.

Silverwood tweeted: “Gary Hetherinton has copped an awful amount these last few years but you have to say his b@lls of steel to tip his hat and give Rohan Smith the job when plenty said crazy decision is another outstanding decision by him.”

Gary Hetherinton has copped an awful amount these last few years but you have to say his b@lls of steel to tip his hat and give Rohan Smith the job when plenty said crazy decision is another outstanding decision by him.

— Richard Silverwood (@SilversRef) September 16, 2022

You have got to give Hetherington credit indeed, his choice wasn’t too popular at the time but the man knows his rugby league and he kept calm when some Leeds fans were unsure about the future.

The turnaround has been incredible at Headingley since Smith’s arrival back in May, going from basement dwellers to be within 80 minutes of a Grand Final trophy with the same players as what took to the field at the beginning of February.

How Smith hasn’t been nominated for Super League Coach of the Year is another question altogether and Hetherington deserves a whole lot of praise for influencing great change.