ACCORDING to the man who has become the first South Coast Group 7 Rugby League referee to be graded by NSW Rugby League, it's a matter of "knowing what you want and going for it".
Having reached the second stage of his three-stage plan, Albion Park's Chris Treneman, 28, has now set his sights on NRL ranks but 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 cutthroat and the pressure is on - and that's OK by me."
After refereeing in Country Rugby League ranks, where he has reached the highs of Country Championship appointments and various other high-ranking games, as well as three South Coast first-grade grand finals, he is now concentrating on the "bigger picture".
"We will be under the guidance of former top-grade referee Steven Clarke, who then reports back to NRL referees co-ordinator Daniel Anderson," he said. "And 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."
He will now be in control of Ron Massey Cup (formerly Bundy Cup), NSW Cup and the Toyota Cup National Youth Cup.
"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 his South Coast Group 7 mentor Peter Ryan and referee Steve Clapson in his development.
"Ryany has encouraged me from day one and has promoted my name whenever he can. 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," he added.
Peter Ryan was glowing in his praise for his protege: "Chris deserves every accolade that comes his way - he has worked very hard on his game and it is indeed proof that there are good pathways for referees in the country.
"He will notice a lot more pressure and just how intense the rivalry is but I have every confidence in him," he said.