The referee appointments have been made for this week’s upcoming Super League play-off matches with a big name missing out.
That big name is Chris Kendall, the man who has taken charge of the last two Challenge Cup Finals, with the highly-rated official not set to referee one of the two games in the first round of the play-offs.
With only two games being played this week, it means that at least four of the RFL’s Elite Officials group miss out and Chris Kendall is unfortunate to be one of them this week.
However, he is still one of just four that are involved across the two games though as he does take the video referee role on in support of Liam Moore for Saturday’s game between Warrington Wolves and St Helens. The video referee has become increasingly important of late as the issue of gamesmanship and players potentially ‘milking’ penalties has arisen.
With Kendall supporting Liam Moore on Saturday, it means that Jack Smith has been selected for Friday night’s game between Salford Red Devils and Leigh Leopards.
Smith will have Tom Grant as his video referee for that game meaning that Aaron Moore and Ben Thaler miss out on any involvement of the six who officiated in Super League last week.
Moore is the reserve referee to his brother for Saturday’s game whilst Ben Thaler has confirmed that he will retire from the on-field referee role with the weekend’s clash between Wakefield and Doncaster set to be his last professional game.
Super League referee appointments for Round One of the play-offs
Credit: SWpix
The RFL confirmed the following appointments.
Salford Red Devils v Leigh Leopards
Friday, 27th September, KO: 20:00
Referee: J. Smith
Video Referee: T. Grant
Warrington Wolves v St Helens
Saturday, 28th September, KO: 17:30
Referee: L. Moore
Video Referee: C. Kendall
Leigh Leopards
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