Bentham to ref Challenge Cup Final

Phil Bentham will referee his first Carnegie Challenge Cup final next Saturday when he takes charge of the showpiece showdown between Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors.

Bentham, who has refereed in the Engage Super League for six years and has a wealth of experience in international Rugby League, has been in outstanding form in 2011 and is looking forward to his first major final.

“I am honoured to referee the Carnegie Challenge Cup final and I can’t wait to be in the middle of the two teams at Wembley stadium for the first time,” said Bentham, who was reserve referee for last year’s final.

“I have refereed in many big games during my career, including internationals, but the Challenge Cup is the most historic and prestigious competition in Rugby League, so to have the privilege of refereeing the final at Wembley is something very special.

“The final is such a huge spectacle at a stadium with over 80,000 spectators and millions watching on television and Leeds Rhinos against Wigan Warriors should make for fantastic viewing. It will be a high intensity game which I am really looking forward to.

Bentham will be joined by touch-judges James Child and Robert Hicks. Assisting Bentham as video referee will be Steve Ganson and the match commissioner will be Dave Campbell. The reserve referee is Richard Silverwood with Tim Roby as the reserve touch-judge.