Rugby League Ashes rules update as Super League referee appointed for Wembley Test

The referee for the first of the three rugby league Ashes Tests has been confirmed, as well an update on how games will be determined.

Wembley will host the first Test between England and Australia on Saturday with that game marking the first time the two nations have met since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final.

It also marks the first Ashes Test since 2003 with a whole generation having passed since the two old rivals last did battle.

As such, the opener at Wembley is hotly anticipated and it’s now been confirmed who will referee the game with Super League official Liam Moore handed the honour.

Moore is the standout referee in Super League so it should be no surprise that he has landed the role for the opener.

It’s also been announced that Jack Smith will be the video referee with Chris Kendall as reserve, before Australia’s Grant Atkins officiates the second Test at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

No appointment has been made for the third Test at Headingley with a decision set to be made based on the performance of officials in the opening two Tests.

Golden point rules explained for rugby league Ashes

One other thing that has been confirmed is that golden point will not be used in the first or second Test, and it will only be used in the third Test if necessary to determine a series winner.

Golden point is commonplace in both the NRL and Super League but it won’t be used in Tests one or two with matches to be settled as a draw if level at full-time.

However, should the series be level heading into the third Test and that game then end up a draw after 80 minutes, then golden point would be used to determine the series winner. That’s to avoid the series being shared.

All three Ashes Tests can be viewed on the BBC with coverage details announced last week.

Wembley Test match officials

Referee – Liam Moore

Touch Judges – Mark Craven and Richard Thompson

Video Referee – Jack Smith

Reserve Referee – Chris Kendall

Reserve Touch Judge – Neil Horton

Timekeeper – Dave Moss

Match Commissioner – Tony Brown

🏉 Liam Moore has been appointed to referee the First @ABKbeer Rugby League Ashes Test at @wembleystadium on Saturday

— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) October 20, 2025