Referee confirmed for third Rugby League Ashes Test with Super League man snubbed

The match officials have been chosen for the third and final Rugby League Ashes Test, as Australia look to complete a series whitewash over England. 

Liam Moore took charge of the opening Test at Wembley, accompanied by Jack Smith as video referee.

In the second, Australia’s Grant Atkins took charge, with Smith again on replay duties.

The officials for third Test were not originally announced, with the RFL and ARLC stating that they would be waiting to see who performed better of the two, and subsequently deserved to oversee the final game of the series.

That decision has now been made, and it will be again be an NRL referee, as Atkins takes charge once more at AMT Headingley this Saturday.

He will be accompanied by the English trio of Jonny Roberts and Warren Turley as touch judges, whilst Super League official Tom Grant will act as video ref.

Australian referee given green light as Rugby League Ashes officials confirmed

There has been plenty of debate over who and how the series will be refereed with the ruck speed, in particular, causing a lot of conversation.

The first Test saw the game have Australia have an average ruck speed of 4.12 seconds, which compared to any NRL game in 2025 is the second slowest of all.

With an NRL referee at Everton, that average time sped up to 3.85 seconds, which allowed for quicker rucks and the Kangaroos to keep their momentum in attack.

Atkins, who dished out three yellow cards last week, has been chosen to once again oversee the proceedings, leaving English referee Liam Moore to sit on the sidelines.

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Grant Atkins has been appointed to referee Saturday’s Third Test of the @ABKbeer Rugby League Ashes at AMT Headingley pic.twitter.com/vcexi2pNqo

— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) November 4, 2025