Grand final referee Ben Cummins has revealed there are days he won’t leave the house for fear of running into irate rugby league fans.

As he prepares to officiate his fifth decider – taking on the lead refereeing role alongside Gerard Sutton - Cummins opened up on the pressure and stress of refereeing at the top level.

“Sometimes you don’t want to go out in public because you know people will say things,” he said.

“Sometimes I walk with my head down. You don’t want to make eye contact if you’ve had a dusty game.

“I understand why coaches say things for their team and the media has a job to do as well, but it’s (the criticism) hard to cop.

“I found the hardest part was going through it as a younger referee, dealing with that stuff.

“As long as you understand your own game and you’re refereeing well…that’s the main thing.

“Generally, I find the rugby league public are very supportive of referees and positive about us and the game.”

Cummins and Sutton combined in the epic 2015 grand final between Brisbane and North Queensland and have each officiated in five deciders.

Cummins is happy to have a trusted colleague by his side on Sunday night and will also have his good luck charm – and ancient-looking whistle – wrapped around his wrist.

“I’ve got one (whistle) I use all the time…over 500 games,” he said.

“It’s the same one (I’ve used) since I debuted as a 16-year-old.

“It’s peeling off a bit, the coating, and the pea you (need to) boil in some water and vinegar.

“It cleans it and hardens it up.”