Hull FC will host Hull KR on Saturday afternoon as the two sides meet in the Challenge Cup for the first time since 1986 as Super League’s top two face off in the knockout competition with the match officials for all four games confirmed.
It’s been a blistering start for Hull KR who have won all eight games that they have played so far but what’s more impressive is that they have conceded only 46 points across those matches, an average of less than one converted try per game.
Saturday could provide them their toughest test with the Black and Whites sitting clear in second and having only lost once in 2025, a stark contrast to their form in 2024.
Hull FC are the hosts for the game with kick off slated for 2:30 pm on Saturday afternoon with referee Chris Kendall in charge, assisted by video referee Ben Thaler. These matches often throw up some drama so the duo will have to be on their toes.
Who is refereeing this week’s Challenge Cup games?
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Prior to Saturday’s huge clash, there are two games on Friday night but one of those will not have a video referee in place.
Video referees have become the norm for games now given that every Super League game is televised but you don’t have to cast your mind back that far to remember a time when most games would not have a video referee.
That’s the case for Salford Red Devils‘ trip to the Stade Gilbert Brutus to face Catalans Dragons with that match not having a video referee on account of it not being televised.
It is the only game in the quarter-finals not to be broadcast and that means that it’s just down to the referee with Aaron Moore tasked with that job.
Friday’s other game between Wakefield Trinity and Leigh Leopards has been picked up for broadcast on Super League+. The sides meet for the second time in two weeks with Leigh hoping to avenge their 40-14 defeat. Jack Smith will be the man in the middle with Liam Rush on video referee duties.
The fourth and final game of the quarter-finals sees Warrington Wolves host St Helens, a reverse of the game two wees ago when Wire nicked it 14-12. Liam Moore takes charges with Tom Grant on video referee duties.
Challenge Cup quarter-finals referee appointments including Hull FC v Hull KR clash
Catalans Dragons v Salford Red Devils
04th April, KO: 20:00
Referee: A. Moore
Wakefield Trinity v Leigh Leopards
04th April, KO: 20:00
Referee: J. Smith
Video Referee: L. Rush
Hull FC v Hull KR
05th April, KO: 14:30
Referee: C. Kendall
Video Referee: B. Thaler
Warrington Wolves v St Helens
06th April, KO: 14:30
Referee: L. Moore
Video Referee: T. Grant
*As confirmed by the RFL website*
Eric T Cat
April 3, 2025 at 10:31 am
On the plus side he makes equally appalling, often bewildering, some might suggest biased, decisions against both Hull clubs so hopefully it evens out. If he wants to borrow my white cane he’s perfectly welcome to do so.