The match officials have been confirmed for the Las Vegas clash between Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos later this week.
The pair have already set off to the Sin City, and now they have learned who will be in charge for the contest, with the RFL confirming the officiating team.
Jack Smith will oversee proceedings at Allegiant Stadium, in what will be one of the biggest games of his officiating career so far.
Smith has took charge of three Super League play-off matches before, including the Leeds Rhinos-St Helens game in 2025, where Shane Wright’s last minute try sent Leeds out of the competition.
He also had the whistle in England’s second Test match against Tonga in 2023, as a try double from Matty Ashton saw Shaun Wane’s men take victory.
Alongside him as touch judges will be fellow Super League referee Marcus Griffiths and experienced touch judge Warren Turley. Tom Grant will be on video referee duties.
The rest of the match officials will be confirmed later this week, but there has yet to be any further update on the fitness of Chris Kendall.
The 33-year-old has been struggling with injury through the latter part of pre-season, and is yet to feature in Super League. The RFL confirmed to Serious About Rugby League that he was looking at a round three or four return, so there is a possibility that he misses out again this week.
That leaves Aaron Moore, Liam Moore, Liam Rush, Grant (if he is based in the UK), and James Vella to take charge of the remaining round three ties, but given there are only five to choose from, it could mean a call-up for a Championship official.
Tara Jones or Scott Mikalauskas could be the ones to step up, should they be needed.
Jack Smith has been appointed to referee Saturday’s Betfred @SuperLeague fixture between @hullkrofficial and @leedsrhinos at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/7dAtDxbuvP
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) February 23, 2026
