Bentham to ref Australia v New Zealand

English referee Phil Bentham and New Zealand match official Henry Perenara will referee the opening fixtures of the 2011 Gillette Four Nations.

Phil Bentham has been named referee for the first match of this year’s Gillette Four Nations when he takes charge of Australia versus New Zealand at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington on Friday (8.00pm).

Bentham, who has refereed in the Engage Super League for six years, has been in outstanding form in 2011 and has refereed this year’s Carnegie Challenge Cup final and Engage Super League Grand Final. He also refereed the Bill Kelly Cup Test Match between Australia and New Zealand just two weeks ago.

Bentham will be assisted by touch-judges James Child and Paul Holland along with video referee Ben Thaler. The reserve referee will be Matt Cecchin and the Match Commissioner is David Campbell.

Taking charge of the second Four Nations clash this weekend is NRL referee Henry Perenara, who will referee Saturday’s England v Wales match at Leigh Sports Village (2.30pm).

Perenara, named NZRL Match Official of the Year in 2011, is a full-time member of the NRL Referees Squad, having made a successful transition from a former first-grade NRL player and international representative with New Zealand.

Perenara will be joined by touch-judges Shane Rehm and Tim Roby and assisted by video referee Ian Smith. Reserve referee will be Matt Cecchin and Match Commissioner is Ian McGregor.

The 2011 Gillette Four Nations kicks off this Friday at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington which hosts Australia v New Zealand (8.00pm) with adult tickets starting from £20 and concessions £10. The tournament then moves on to Leigh Sports Village the following day, Saturday October 29, for England v Wales (2.30pm) with tickets starting from £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

The 2011 Gillette Four Nations final will be played at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday November 19 (6.00pm) and tickets are priced from £20 Adult and £10 concession.

Tickets for the 2011 Gillette Four Nations can be purchased by calling 0844 856 1113 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk