Ben Thaler gives honest assessment on retiring Super League refereeing duo

Ben Thaler has had a good word to say about retiring refereeing duo Gareth Hewer and Tony Martin.

Gareth Hewer has been a familiar and respected official since he joined the Grade 1 list for the 2004 season, having emerged through the community game in his native Cumbria.

His numerous big match appointments included the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley in 2016 – when Hull FC beat Warrington Wolves 12-10.

Gareth, who turned 40 last month, advised the RFL earlier this year that he would be stepping down from regular officiating at the end of the season because of a change to his shift patterns at Sellafield – although he will continue in a key role assisting in the development of match officials in Cumbria.

Tony Martin’s involvement with dozens of major matches has been as a touch judge – including the 2000 World Cup Final at Old Trafford, five Challenge Cup Finals between 2001-10, and 10 Super League Grand Finals between 2000-15.

He was a regular throughout the first 25 seasons of the Super League from 1996-2020 before stepping aside quietly at the end of last season at the age of 65.

And, now Thaler has given his congratulations to both for their services:

“Congratulations to two of my closest friends on their outstanding careers, it’s been an honour to work with you both I shall miss the crowds shouting “ME TO YOU” “CHUCKLE CHUCKLE GIVE US A WAVE” and “THERES ONLY ONE TONY MARTIN” when warming up prior to kick off! #respect“