BATHURST’S Nathan Pearce expects spectators will be impressed during January’s rugby union trial between the HSBC Waratahs and Fiji at Wade Park.

Orange will host the trial match on January 30 with Pearce to blow the whistle for the second year in a row.

Pearce, a former Central West referee, was the man in the middle when the Waratahs and Fiji played a trial in early 2009.

That time Waratahs cruised to a convincing 60--0 victory.

“I think people will be fairly impressed with the speed of the game and the skills,” Pearce said.

“I know Waratahs have been busting themselves at training, so they’re going to be fit.

“I did a session with them just before Christmas and they’re putting in the hard work.”

Pearce, who has refereed Super 14 games, wants to make sure an entertaining match is played.

“I’ll do my best to get as much play out of it as I can, rather than be too pedantic,” he said.

Pearce, who still lives in Bathurst, was the told the good news of his appointment to the trial a fortnight before Christmas.

He admitted to feeling nerves waiting to find out if he had been given the job.

“I’m actually really excited,” he said.

“Before the appointments came out, I was really nervous to get that one because it was basically at home.”

At this year’s trial Pearce said the Waratahs “didn’t have their game face on” which made for a more relaxed game, but it still had plenty of entertainment for the spectators.

The Waratahs ran in 10 unanswered tries, five in each half.

But that’s not to say the Fijians will be taking it easy when they meet the Waratahs in Orange.

“Fiji play with a lot at stake. They’re a very proud country,” Pearce said.

Brothers Andrew Lees and Richard Madden are to be the touch judges for the trial match.

Pearce said he is looking forward to working with the brothers.

“Andrew is a former Central West referee,” Pearce explained.

“He did the World Sevens circuit this year and he’s doing it again next year.

“I think he did a few of the World Sevens finals this year. This trial will be good for Richard to get exposure to that level.”

After the Waratahs trial, Pearce has his goals as a referee set for 2010.

“My goal is to nail my position as a Super 14 ref and put my hand up loud and proud for the World Cup in 2011,” he said.

The trial between the Waratahs and Fiji will be played at Orange’s Wade Park on Saturday, January 30.