Landmark Wembley appointments announced, including Wigan-born youngster appointed referee for opening match

The Yorkshireman, who celebrated his 32nd birthday earlier this week, took charge of his first Wembley showdown when Leigh Leopards defeated Hull KR last August in golden point extra time.

He has had regular involvement in Wembley Finals since 2017, when he was a touch judge for Hull FC’s victory over Wigan Warriors.

Kendall was then appointed to referee the first AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final between Sheffield Eagles and Widnes Vikings in 2019, and was video referee for the 2021 and 2022 Challenge Cup Finals.

Richard Thompson and Johnny Roberts will be touch judges, with Liam Moore the video referee.

Beth Neilson, like Kendall a member of the Huddersfield Referees Society, will make history in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final, as the first woman to officiate in a senior Wembley Final – reward for the 31-year-old’s performances over almost two decades in the community game and the Women’s Super League.

She will team up with Neil Horton as touch judges with Aaron Moore taking charge of his first Wembley Final, in only his second full season as a member of the RFL’s full-time match officials squad – and the vastly-experienced Ben Thaler appointed as video referee.

Tom Grant will referee the 1895 Cup Final between Sheffield Eagles and Wakefield Trinity – also his first Wembley refereeing appointment – with Mark Craven and Warren Turley appointed as touch judges.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Wigan-born Tyler Topping will lead a youthful team of officials taking charge of the inspiresport Champion Schools Final for Year 7 Boys, between St Peter’s Catholic High School of Orrell (Wigan) and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf (Cardiff).

Liam Breheny and George Cox have been announced as the touch judges, and Lochlan Mills and Esmai Wright the in-goal judges.

Phil Bentham, the RFL’s head of match Officials, said:“Congratulations to all the officials who have been appointed for the four finals at Wembley this weekend.

“It’s an opportunity for us to recognise excellence at various levels, whether in our full-time squad or in developing match officials.”