In recent weeks, long time Super League official Ben Thaler hasn’t been seen much in the top flight despite his definite pedigree.
The former Grand Final referee has been one of Super League’s top officials for over a decade but has been curiously absent over the course of 2022 instead officiating mainly in the Championship.
When approached by Serious About Rugby League on the matter, the RFL revealed he was still in the mix suggesting that for some reason he’s still not getting picked.
This prompted us to ask the question whether Thaler is the best referee in Super League history.
He certainly has longevity and has taken charge of some of the biggest games in the competition’s history such as the 2015 Grand Final and Challenge Cup Final as well as the 2017 Million Pound Game which determined the future of Leigh Centurions and Catalans Dragons.
He’s been in Super League for 17 years and in the sport for 21 years and often let the games flow. But do fans think he’s the greatest Super League referee of all time.
Whilst some agreed with us, many others threw out other potential candidates with fellow former referee Ian Smith identifying Phil Bentham has his pick.
Bentham
— Ian Smith (@Iansmith2468) July 4, 2022
He was not alone in that line of thinking either with others commenting as such too.
Phil Bentham
— Matthew 🏴🇬🇧 (@mxttuk) July 4, 2022
One person suggested Smith himself was but that simply provoked a hilarious response from the former Super League official
🤣🤣🤣andy, have you been drinking again 🍷🍷🤣🤣🤣👍👍
— Ian Smith (@Iansmith2468) July 4, 2022
One person suggested Steve Ganson was who is now Head of Match Officials and has defended referees massively especially after last year’s Grand Final.
No Steve Ganson is
— Kieran Hull Fc⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️ (@Kieran97800163) July 4, 2022
One person suggested Russell Smith only for Warrington fans to push back against that claim.
Russell Smith
— Kevin Brown (@emontranger) July 4, 2022
After that penalty for Wigan in 1994, not many Warrington fans would agree, even if it was before the start of Super League
— Barry Kilshaw (@bertiebaresi) July 4, 2022
Richard Silverwood who oversaw three Grand Finals in 2010, 2012 and 2013 was also suggested by more than one person.
Silverwood 👀
— Natalie Chambers (@chambernatx) July 4, 2022
So a lot of love for a lot of officials and we’ve not even covered them all.
But who do you think is the best referee in Super League history?
