Match officials for Challenge Cup Third Round confirmed as Liam Moore takes broadcasted fixture

The referee appointments for the Challenge Cup Third Round have been made, as teams from Super League battle with lower league opposition.

It’s not just the players who have had a long off-season, but the referees too, and with new rules in line for 2026, they will also be getting their first taste of competitive action in 2026.

The likes of Liam Moore, Liam Rush and Tom Grant have all been appointed fixtures this week, as they begin to compete between themselves to be handed the opportunity at officiating those major finals.

Two games this weekend will be broadcast live on TV, the first one being Leeds Rhinos’ clash with Widnes Vikings, which will be shown live on The Sportsman. That game has been given to Liam Moore, who refereed the 2025 Grand Final between Hull KR and Wigan Warriors.

There will be no video referees until the last 16, whereby Super League teams will be drawn at home and therefore have the capacity to facilitate the replay system.

On Sunday, London Broncos will clash with Bradford Bulls in arguably the tie of the round, however that game is awaiting confirmation as to who will be in charge.

Wigan Warriors’ game against Rochdale Hornets will be taken by Marcus Griffiths whilst the David vs Goliath tie between Lock Lane and Hull KR will be refereed by Jack Smith.

Senior official Chris Kendall has been confirmed to be unavailable, and will not be in action over the Cup weekend.

The full list of appointments can be seen below:

Challenge Cup Third Round Referee Appointments:

Friday 6th February:

Hunslet RLFC vs Huddersfield Giants – Referee: Denton Arnold

Workington Town vs St Helens – Referee: Liam Rush

Sheffield Eagles vs Warrington Wolves – Referee: Scott Mikalauskas

Salford RLFC vs Hull FC – Referee: Matty Lynn

Lock Lane vs Hull KR – Referee: Jack Smith

Saturday 7th February:

Doncaster RLFC vs Castleford Tigers – Referee: Tom Grant

Widnes Vikings vs Leeds Rhinos – Referee: Liam Moore

Barrow Raiders vs York RLFC – Referee: Kevin Moore

North Wales Crusaders vs Leigh Leopards – Referee: James Vella

Sunday 8th February:

Batley Bulldogs vs Catalans Dragons – Referee: Ryan Cox

Swinton Lions vs Wakefield Trinity – Referee: Tara Jones

Rochdale Hornets vs Wigan Warriors – Referee: Marcus Griffiths

London Broncos vs Bradford Bulls – Referee: TBC

Halifax Panthers vs Goole Vikings – Referee: Luke Bland

Oldham RLFC vs Dewsbury Rams – Referee: Jordan Greenhalgh

Keighley Cougars vs Midlands Hurricanes – Referee: Jack Woolass

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