The referee appointments for the final round of the regular Super League season have been announced, with veteran referee Chris Kendall taking the tie of the round when Wigan Warriors host Leeds Rhinos.
The weekend schedule sees two matches on Thursday night, both residing in Hull, before the final four matches all take the 8pm kick off slot on Friday night.
Hull FC are in action against Catalans Dragons this week, but with the playoff race out of their hands, all they can do is beat the Perpignan outfit and hope for a Wakefield Trinity defeat. Liam Moore will take charge of this one, with Chris Kendall acting as video referee.
On the opposite side of Hull, top of the table Hull KR will look to lift the League Leaders Shield, after they were halted in doing so by a brilliant Wakefield performance last week. Willie Peters will be hoping his side can bounce back from a poor performance, and finish the regular season strong before heading into the top six showdown. Aaron Moore will take the whistle at Craven Park, partnered by Tom Grant.
On Friday, St Helens host Castleford Tigers, in what will be the final home game of their season. Despite qualifying for the playoffs, the best position they can now reach is fifth, meaning an away trip to whoever finishes fourth awaits them next week. Liam Rush will be the man in the middle, with James Vella assisting as video referee.
Leigh Leopards will have another home match next week in the playoffs, but this week their focus is on Huddersfield Giants, who travel to the Leigh Sports Village for the second time this season. Edwin Ipape’s suspension will be a huge blow for the Leopards, but they should still have enough to put on a convincing display over Luke Robinson’s men. Marcus Griffiths will officiate here, with Grant resuming his role as video referee from the previous night.
Salford Red Devils season has been one of misery, but over the past few weeks their performances have been highly admirable, with a win over Warrington Wolves and a one-point defeat to Catalans giving fans much to cheer about. The Red Devils will have the backing of Hull FC fans on Friday night, who need Paul Rowley’s men to pull off another shock victory. Jack Smith will take this one, with Aaron Moore acting as video referee.
Finally, Wigan Warriors take on Leeds Rhinos, in what is a playoff clash in itself, if not a week early. Both sides will see this one as a litmus test as to where they truly are heading into the playoffs, as they prepare to face the best the league has to offer. The roles will be reversed from the MKM Stadium, with Kendall the on-field referee and Liam Moore the video ref.
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Super League Round 27 Match Official Appointments in full:
Thursday 18th September:
Hull FC vs Catalans Dragons – KO 8pm
Referee: Liam Moore, Video Referee: Chris Kendall
Hull KR vs Warrington Wolves – KO 8pm
Referee: Aaron Moore, Video Referee: Tom Grant
Friday 19th September:
St Helens vs Castleford Tigers – KO 8pm
Referee: Liam Rush, Video Referee: James Vella
Leigh Leopards vs Huddersfield Giants – KO 8pm
Referee: Marcus Griffiths, Video Referee: Tom Grant
Salford Red Devils vs Wakefield Trinity – KO 8pm
Referee: Jack Smith, Video Referee: Aaron Moore
Wigan Warriors vs Leeds Rhinos – KO 8pm
Referee: Chris Kendall, Video Referee: Liam Moore
