But now the 40-year-old is determined to experience just as big a high by steering rugby league into a strong and healthy future.
Hicks (above) has taken over as the RFL's Director of Operations and Legal.
He said: "It is a bit like weaning yourself off a drug. Refereeing at that level is all-consuming.
"I won't miss that part but I will miss the adrenaline rush, the banter and the emotional roller-coaster that you go on throughout the year."
This story is from the January 09, 2022 edition of The Sunday Mirror.
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This story is from the January 09, 2022 edition of The Sunday Mirror.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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