The pair had to keep their eyes on a hectic start to the new year, with both appointed to assistant referee at the Sydney Sevens next week. 

The competition features the top seven-a-side teams in the world – with Cox and Gaal both calling it “a major step up” from their usual club commitments. 

“It’s going to be that next level,” Gaal explained. 

The matches are played at a searing pace with two seven minute halves.

Combined with the majority of players being professional, Gaal said that a single moment of inattentiveness could be costly. 

“It definitely requires you to be switched on for the whole seven minutes – you can’t have a lapse because the game is so quick and fast, it’ll get away from you.”

Cox, who has refereed for five years, agreed that there was “nowhere to hide” in sevens. 

“Fitness is a big component. It’s way quicker than club level,” she said. 

Gaal first referred Newcastle first grade rugby in 2016, before taking the reins in multiple matches last season.

The 19-year-old also refereed at the Central Coast Sevens last year where he officiated a match involving the Australian sevens side.

He has kicked off this season with a blast as well, already umpiring at the Darwin Sevens. 

For Cox, 18, the tournament comes after a solid year refereeing across the Newcastle rugby women’s and junior grade.

She’s also blown the whistle at national university and women’s sevens competitions. 

Both are pumped for the step up to the World Series sevens. 

“I’m pretty excited, it’ll be a good experience for learning,” Cox said.  

It’ll kick start a busy year for the two Maitland Blacks juniors.

Gaal said the appointment could lead to more exciting opportunities down the track. 

“I’m looking forward to getting my experience up as much as possible.”

“There are pathways for referees now in Australian rugby, especially since they look in the country and Newcastle competitions. 

“It’s about getting that experience so that if an opportunity comes up I’m in a position to take it.” 

Cox had a relaxed attitude to the year ahead.

“This year is about getting my experience up as much as possible,” she said. 

“I’ll just take it as it comes and see whatever opportunities arise.”