New Zealand's only NRL referee Henry Perenara is training twice a day while in lockdown, maintaining the fitness level his job demands.
"We know that when we come back we need to hit the ground running," he told Newshub.
Because running is what NRL referees do, their GPS trackers range between 10-12 kilometres per game, so fitness testing is rigorous.
"The referees, some of them are 60-65 kg ringing wet and I'm obviously 90," he told Newshub.
"I feel like I've got a big bear on my back."
Perenara's rugby league career began 20 years ago, playing for five NRL clubs and the Kiwis before three shoulder reconstructions forced a change of tack in 2011
Perenara has since officiated in two world cups, the Four Nations and over 180 NRL matches, but he has unfinished business
"I still have aspirations of wanting to ref an Origin and ref a grand final," he told Newshub.
"I'm a firm believer that if I don't want to do that then I shouldn't be refereeing."
"So I believe a good referee is one who sets strong standards but then communicates in an effective way with players "
Perenara is fit and fizzing to get back to what he loves, the game of rugby league.
