Pakistan, March 9 -- The 28-year-old created headlines last year by becoming the first female to take charge of a senior men's fixture when she oversaw a League One encounter between Oldham and Cornwall.

At the time she was combining officiating with playing and a regular job but, as the refereeing progressed, it was clear a new career path was opening up for Saints women's record appearance-maker. In the autumn she announced her retirement to focus entirely on that opportunity, taking up a full-time position on the Rugby Football League's match officials panel. With age clearly on her side, there are high hopes she can advance to overseeing games in the men's Betfred Super League - in which she has already made a number of appearances a...