ACCORDING to the man who has become the first South Coast Group 7 referee to be graded by the NSW Rugby League, it's a matter of "knowing what you want and going for it".
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Having reached the second stage of his three-stage plan, Albion Park's Chris Treneman, 28, has now set his sights on the NRL ranks.
However, he knows all too well the difficult road ahead.
"I have been in the junior representative ranks for around eight years and now I have been graded, it's a whole new challenge," he said.
"In just a few training sessions in the higher ranks, I have noticed the change in intensity.
"It's pretty cut-throat and the pressure is on - and that's okay by me."
After officiating in the Country Rugby League ranks where he has attained Country Championship appointments, three South Coast first grade grand finals and various other high-ranking games, he is now concentrating on the bigger picture.
"We will be under the guidance of former top grade referee Steven Clark, who then reports back to NRL referees co-ordinator Daniel Anderson," he said.
"I have progressed from a squad of around 60 referees in the junior ranks to around 30, while the NRL squad also has around 30, so it is a big step up.
"We have had a long pre-season, which started around November and are training two days a week as well as having video sessions.
"Once the season starts it will be three days training plus the extras."
He will now be in control of Ron Massey Cup (formerly Bundy Cup), NSW Cup and National Youth Cup fixtures.
His first appointment was last weekend, a Toyota Cup trial between St George Illawarra and Canterbury Bankstown.
While a good start, he wasn't reading too much into it at this stage.
"I was pleasantly surprised with the appointment, but it was probably a matter of giving me a higher-quality game to see how I handle it," he said.
"Once you get to this level, you have referees' officials monitoring your every move, from game day assessments and DVD scrutiny, which includes voice-overs - it is all important."
Treneman praised the roles of his South Coast Group 7 mentor Peter Ryan and NSWRL referees Steve Clapson in his development.
"'Ryany' has encouraged me from day one and has promoted my name whenever he can," Treneman said.
"His advice has been invaluable and I owe him a lot.
"Steve has also been a big part in getting me to where I am now, and I will continue to work with him in his capacity with the NSWRL."
Ryan was glowing in his praise for his protégé.
"Chris deserves every accolade that comes his way," he said.
"He has worked very hard on his game and it is indeed proof that there are good pathways for referees in the country."