SINCE he started refereeing, Billy Greatbatch has dreamed of officiating at a Federation of International Touch World Cup.

At 2.50pm this afternoon at Coffs Harbour International Stadium, that dream will come to fruition when the 18-year-old refereeing wunderkind takes the field to oversee Wales’ second clash of the tournament, against Malaysia.

At 7pm, it goes to another level when he will referee Papua New Guinea’s clash with 2011 World Cup runners-up New Zealand alongside two of the best referees on the planet - Miah Williams and Luke McKenzie, ranked one and six in the world respectively.

“Being appointed to that game gives me a lot of confidence, as does being ranked eighth at nationals prior to this,” Greatbatch said.

In a massive show of faith in one so young, both of the games Greatbatch has been appointed to for today’s opening day of play are in the men’s open division.

“After that, we’ll come together at night and talk about our performances and the appointments for the next day will be done on that,” Greatbatch said.

“It’s a good system, because everything is done on performance. So basically, I’ll be doing my best to run well (today) to make sure I get appointed to the highest level games (tomorrow).”

On the world stage, surely he’s feeling pressure to do so?

“I guess I feel a little bit (of pressure), but more than anything I’m just excited for it,” he said.

“There is a few things I’ll need to make sure I do well. The language barrier with some of the non-English speaking countries will make communication tough.

“That makes having a free-flowing game a challenge. But it’s a challenge I can’t wait to take on.

“Otherwise, I need to give each game the respect it deserves. The standard will change game to game, but that doesn’t mean we can relax. These players are representing their countries, as are we, so every game needs respect.”

Greatbatch, also a member of the NRL’s Referee Academy, said a high level final is his ultimate goal for the tournament which would allow him to receive his international ranking.

“If you get appointed to a final, you get an international ranking. That’s something I really want to get out of it,” he explained.

“I’ve got to be realistic, and there is so many good referees around me so to aim for a men’s open final might be a bit much.

“I’d just love a top 12 final, one of the top four games in the tournament. Obviously everyone wants to be appointed to an Australia versus New Zealand game too, no matter what the division, a trans-tasman game would be incredible.”