Super League Referee Appointments: Two senior officials left out

This weekend Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons are rewarded with a day off with Warrington Wolves, Hull KR, Leigh Leopards and Champions St Helens battle it out for a spot in the semi-finals against the top two.

The referee picks have been confirmed for the two games with Jack Smith taking charge of Hull KR vs Leigh whilst St Helens and Warrington Wolves will be under the command of Ben Thaler.

Fans may be surprised to see the absence of Chris Kendall and Liam Moore. But both referees will act as video referees this weekend with Kendall at Craven Park and Moore at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

According to reports, the two will be in charge of next week’s games as they compete with Smith and Thaler to be in charge of the Grand Final.

Hull KR v Leigh Leopards
29th September, KO: 20:00
M Com: G. Kershaw
Referee: J. Smith
Reserve Referee: M. Griffiths
Touch Judge 1: M. Craven
Touch Judge 2: L. Rush
Video Referee: C. Kendall
Reserve Touch Judge: T. Gibbs
Time Keeper: D. Milburn

St Helens v Warrington Wolves
30th September, KO: 12:45
M Com: P. Smith
Referee: B. Thaler
Reserve Referee: A. Moore
Touch Judge 1: C. Worsley
Touch Judge 2: R. Thompson
Video Referee: L. Moore
Reserve Touch Judge: C. Charnock
Time Keeper: N. Hope

This news comes after three Super League players, and two head coaches, have been fined for recent breaches of the Operational Rules relating to criticism of match officials.

Luke Gale of Wakefield Trinity, Sam Lisone of Leeds Rhinos and Jake Trueman of Hull FC have each been fined £500, with £250 suspended until the end of the 2024 season, for breaching Operational Rules D1:1 (b) – Improper Conduct, and C2.10 – Behaviour Standards.

In each case, the criticism appeared on social media.

Letters to the players include the following explanation: “Please be aware that your position in the game as a Super League player clearly gives you significant standing within the sport and you should be more considered when discussing such matters.”

Salford’s head coach Paul Rowley has been fined £4,000 – £2,500 of which is suspended until the end of the 2024 season – for his comments following the Betfred Super League fixture against St Helens on August 6.

Huddersfield’s head coach Ian Watson has been fined £500, suspended until the end of the 2024 season, for his comments following a Betfred Super League fixture at St Helens on August 13.