The referee appointments for part one of Super League Round 20 have been confirmed, as Wakefield Trinity look to earn a vital win over Leeds Rhinos.
A win for Trinity would be a huge benefit for them, given playoff rivals Hull FC face Huddersfield and Salford in the next two rounds.
A win for Leeds would put them level on points with second-placed Wigan, who face Catalans a day later.
Who is in charge of this week’s Super League fixtures?
The West Yorkshire derby between Wakefield and the Rhinos takes place on Thursday night, and is expected to be a cracker. Chris Kendall, who has refereed multiple major finals will take up the whistle in this fixture, and will be accompanied by Jack Smith on video referee duties.
On Friday night, Wigan Warriors have the chance to return to winning ways against Catalans Dragons. They will have to do it without a recognised full back however, as both Jai Field and Zach Eckersley are out with injury.
It will also be Joel Tomkins’ first game in charge of the Dragons as a fully-fledged head coach. He has been an interim coach since May, but this week has been appointed the job on a permanent basis.
Jack Smith will change his role from the previous night to on-field referee, whilst Tom Grant goes upstairs to be the video ref.
In the final game of the week, Hull FC host Huddersfield Giants at the MKM Stadium. Things are looking up for the Black and Whites after they broke their winless run at home, and thumped Wigan in their own back yard in the space of two weeks.
The Giants have lost their last two but have won convincingly on their last two visits to the MKM Stadium.
Tom Grant will take charge of this one, with Chris Kendall as video referee.
It seems that the referees will also be getting a week off, with the likes of Liam and Aaron Moore, Liam Rush and James Vella all not being selected.
Super League Round 20 referee appointments
Wakefield Trinity vs Leeds Rhinos
Thursday 24th July, 8:00pm KO
Referee: Chris Kendall, Video Referee: Jack Smith
Wigan Warriors vs Catalans Dragons
Friday 25th July, 8:00pm KO
Referee: Jack Smith, Video Referee: Tom Grant
Hull FC vs Huddersfield Giants
Saturday 26th July, 3:00pm
Referee: Tom Grant, Video Referee: Chris Kendall
