The officiating teams for the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup have now been confirmed, with referee Chris Kendall given a massive game.
With the semi-finals broadcast by the BBC, video referees will be in operation, contrary to many games this season due to previous rounds given lacklustre coverage.
First up is Hull KR vs Wigan Warriors at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster.
To reach this stage, the Robins breezed past both Salford Red Devils and Leigh Leopards at Craven Park, while the Warriors demolished Sheffield Eagles at home before putting Castleford Tigers to the sword at The Jungle.
The sides come into this game with differing fortunes: KR come into this off the back of a disappointing defeat to Warrington Wolves, while Wigan, despite Liam Byrne being sin-binned for the very first tackle of the game, beat Huddersfield Giants 48-6. Interestingly though, the two sides played each other in April with Hull KR running out as 26-10 victors.
For this game, Chris Kendall is the referee, while the video referee will be Jack Smith.
Credit: Imago Images
The other semi-final sees the other teams from KR and Wigan’s recent Super League games in action, as Huddersfield Giants face Warrington Wolves at The Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.
Huddersfield shocked Catalans Dragons to win 34-6 in the last round, while Warrington Wolves beat St Helens 31-8.
Liam Moore is the referee for this one, while Ben Thaler will be video referee.
The reserve referee is Liam Moore’s younger brother, Aaron Moore.
As there are no Super League fixtures this week, some familiar names are officiating games in the RFL Championship.
James Vella will take charge of Bradford Bulls vs Sheffield Eagles at Odsal, where the Eagles will look to continue their fine run of form this season, which has seen them qualify for the 1895 Cup final at Wembley and take second-place in the league.
Elsehere, Liam Rush is the man-in-the-middle at the York Community Stadium, as the York Knights, after losing to Sheffield in the semi-final, face Halifax Panthers.
The list of referee appointments can be found below.
Challenge Cup Referee Appointments
Credit: Imago Images
Saturday 18th May
Hull KR v Wigan Warriors – Referee: Chris Kendall, Video Referee: Jack Smith
Sunday 19th May
Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves – Referee: Liam Moore, Video Referee: Ben Thaler
