Chris Kendall unimpressed with this in relegation Grand Final

As Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers met in a huge game last night deemed the relegation Grand Final, the officials, and especially referee Chris Kendall, were well involved as they try to keep control of the big moments.

There was controversy around the opening try which went the way of the Tigers.

There was a suspicion of a knock on as the ball was grounded and the fury of Wakefield fans was exacerbated by the disallowing of Josh Griffin’s try for offside.

Kendall was also focused on clamping down on late hits on attacking players which saw him dress down Blake Austin in the first half.

He could be heard saying: “You’ve hit him late mate, it’s not needed. It’s the second one!” he shouted,” It’s a push in the back.

“You don’t need to make that kind of contact, wrap him and take him to ground.”

Later in the game he would speak to skipper Joe Westerman saying: “In isolation that’s just a penalty but it keeps happening. Sort it out or cards will be coming out.”

Then Wakefield gave one away and he shut down their complaints saying: “It is the same as what they’ve been penalised for.”

Both sides went into the game having only won four games all season and sat tied on eight points a piece but a win on Friday night under the Belle Vue lights will see one team pull two points clear and leave their rivals staring down the barrel of relegation.

Wakefield had won their last four games at home but this fifth win would be the most important of the season so far if they can manage it, and they’ll be close to full strength for the game.

Recent signing Josh Griffin has now completed his ban and debuted in the game against his former club.

As for Castleford they now have a new man in charge with Andy Last being dismissed after their loss to Huddersfield Giants at Wheldon Road most recently.

Former London Broncos boss Danny Ward has taken over and hoped to get off to a winning start and snap the Tigers’ current losing streak of five matches.

The Tigers were without Riley Dean who was recalled by parent club Warrington Wolves but they’ve recently made plenty of signings including PNG international Liam Horne and Lebanese star Charbel Tasipale.