Challenge Cup Referee Appointments: Chris Kendall takes centre stage
Hull Kingston Rovers v Leigh Leopards Rugby League Challenge Cup 12/08/2023. Cup Final Referee Chris Kendall talks to Hull KIngston Rovers centre Shaun Kenny Dowall 4 and Leigh Leopards loose forward John Asiata 13 during the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final match between Hull Kingston Rovers and Leigh Leopards at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 12 August 2023. London Wembley Stadium Greater London England Editorial use only , Copyright: xMickxAtkinsx PSI-17817-0120
The officiating teams for the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup have now been confirmed.
There was disappointment for fans in the last round of games, with no games being shown on mainstream television channels by the BBC.
Once again, there is some disappointment with the BBC broadcasting just two of the four quarter-finals being televised.
Therefore, half of the fixtures will have no video referee.
Hull KR and Leigh Leopards kick off the action, in a repeat of last year’s final, which the Leopards won 17-16 thanks to a golden-point drop-goal from Lachlan Lam.
Officiating that fixture is Chris Kendall, who was also the referee for that final, and who will be supported in the decision-making process by video referee Tom Grant, as the game is being shown live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Later that day, we cross over to French Catalonia, as Catalans Dragons face Huddersfield Giants in Perpignan.
These two sides scored 90 points between them in the last round, with Catalans winning 40-4 away at Championship side Halifax, while Huddersfield won 50-6 against Super League strugglers Hull FC.
The referee for this one is Aaron Moore, but as the game isn’t being televised, there will be no video referee for this fixture.
Credit: Imago Images
On Sunday, Castleford Tigers host Wigan Warriors, meeting in a repeat of the fixture from Round One which Wigan won 32-4.
Both sides suffered scares to Championship sides, with Craig Lingard’s return to Batley starting with the Bulldogs going ahead, and Wigan were behind to Sheffield Eagles shortly before half-time.
However, both sides went on to win, and in this untelevised game, the referee will be Liam Moore.
Finally, two form-sides in the Super League clash, as St Helens host Warrington Wolves at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Warrington and Saints are level on ten points in the league, just two points, and one win, behind the leaders, Catalans Dragons.
Jack Smith is the man-in-the-middle for this one, while Chris Kendall returns once again, this time as video referee, as the game is also being shown on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Below is a full list of the referee appointments for the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup.
Challenge Cup Referee Appointments
Credit: Imago Images
Saturday 13th April
Hull KR v Leigh Leopards – Referee: Chris Kendall, Video Referee: Tom Grant
Catalans Dragons v Huddersfield Giants – Referee: Aaron Moore, Video Referee: N/A
Sunday 14th April
Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors – Referee: Liam Moore, Video Referee: N/A
St Helens v Warrington Wolves – Referee: Jack Smith, Video Referee: Chris Kendall