Thaler taken off Super League duty

Top referee Ben Thaler has not been allocated a Super League fixture for this weekend’s round of games.

Thaler was in charge for Leeds’ win over Wigan last Friday, which saw Rhinos back-rower Brett Ferres only yellow-carded for a so-called crusher tackle on Warriors centre Oliver Gildart.

Following the post match review, Ferres has been charged and could face a ban of up to eight matches, while Gildart is set for three months on the sidelines through injury.

The RFL confirmed the six Super League appointments covering Thursday and Friday early this week.

Thaler has instead been allocated the Championship clash between Featherstone and London Broncos.

An RFL spokesperson said: “With a pool of 13 Grade One match officials at the Rugby Football League, there is always going to be some rotation during the season.”

The appointments for the upcoming games are as follows:

Wigan v Castleford – Robert Hicks
Hull v Salford – Gareth Hewer
Leigh v Catalans – Jack Smith
St Helens v Huddersfield – Chris Campbell
Wakefield v Widnes – Chris Kendall
Warrington v Leeds – James Child