RFL explain Chris Kendall’s absence for latest round of Super League games

[josie andrews]

Super League referee Chris Kendall took charge of the men’s Challenge Cup final last weekend and had two huge decisions to make in the first five minutes of the game. Kendall showed yellow cards to Wigan Warriors‘ Mike Cooper and Warrington Wolves’ Matt Dufty for high shots in the opening exchanges of the Wembley showpiece.

Aside from the two yellow cards, the final passed largely without controversy, as Wigan lifted the trophy for the 21st time. However, when the RFL confirmed their referee appointments for this weekend, Kendall was notable in his absence from the Super League fixtures.

Kendall will perform video referee duties for the Castleford Tigers versus Wigan Warriors game, but will not take charge of a fixture as the referee. Ben Thaler will, instead, take charge of the fixture at the Jungle, with Aaron Moore, Tom Grant, Liam Moore, Jack Smith and James Vella taking charge of the other games.

Now, the RFL has explained the decision not to select Chris Kendall for this weekend’s fixtures

Speaking to Serious About Rugby League, the RFL confirmed that Chris Kendall’s absence is not performance-related. The RFL’s view is that Kendall had an excellent game in the final and handled the occasion well.

However, due to the emotions of last week, they thought it best for Kendall to have a breather and miss this weekend’s games. They did confirm, however, that he will return to the middle for Super League’s round 15 fixtures.

In the aftermath of the game, the Match Review Panel deemed that neither Dufty, nor Cooper’s, tackles were worthy of further punishment. The RFL confirmed yesterday that:

“Following this weekend’s Betfred Challenge Cup Final, the Match Review Panel have issued no sanctions.”

The decision not to take further action against the players means the Cooper will be available for Wigan’s trip to the Jungle on Friday night, as they look to earn an outright lead at the top of Super League.

Warrington now have ground to make up, having fallen two points behind Wigan and St Helens. They will have Dufty available as they host Salford Red Devils on Friday night.

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/rfl-expl ... mes-93164/

[Ipinwigan]

Now, the RFL has explained the decision not to select Chris Kendall for this weekend’s fixtures

Speaking to Serious About Rugby League, the RFL confirmed that Chris Kendall’s absence is not performance-related. The RFL’s view is that Kendall had an excellent game in the final and handled the occasion well.

However, due to the emotions of last week, they thought it best for Kendall to have a breather and miss this weekend’s games. They did confirm, however, that he will return to the middle for Super League’s round 15 fixtures.

Well that explains it, emotions, he can't have been as emotional as I was when he sin-binned Cooper, I think a few people near me saw my emotions

[Blackpool_Pie]

Fwiw I thought he had a good game at Wembley. 2 yellows aside, which was down to Liam Moore

[moto748]

Fwiw I thought he had a good game at Wembley. 2 yellows aside, which was down to Liam Moore

I agree. Although I'm not sure the two yellows were entirely down to Moore; Kendall did come out with that 'forceful' description.

[Mike]

Fwiw I thought he had a good game at Wembley. 2 yellows aside, which was down to Liam Moore

I agree. Although I'm not sure the two yellows were entirely down to Moore; Kendall did come out with that 'forceful' description.

Just repeating what he'd been told wasn't he?