Chris Kendall's absence explained with Super League official not involved this week
One of Super League's leading match officials will not be in action this weekend. Chris Kendall has not been named on the weekly match officials appointment list ahead of the upcoming weekend of fixtures.
Kendall, a Super League regular for many years, was in charge of Leeds Rhinos' defeat to Huddersfield Giants on Friday, which involved an incident that was eventually contested by Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith after the game. It related to a dropout given against the Rhinos after Huddersfield had successfully taken a player from the field of play into the in-goal already. Leeds' short kick-off didn't go 10 and from there, Huddersfield kicked a penalty to take the lead.
However, Rugby League Live has been informed that Kendall has not been demoted or dropped from action. Kendall had already been granted a weekend off by the match officials department, which explains why he is also not involved in other capacities this weekend.
It means Liam Rush is given an opportunity at Super League level, he will take charge of Hull FC's home game against Leeds Rhinos. Elsewhere, Liam Moore is in charge of Huddersfield Giants' trip to St Helens and his brother, Aaron, will officiate the game between Leigh Leopards and Leeds Rhinos.
Tom Grant will be the man in the middle for Hull KR's game with Wigan Warriors, Jack Smith will referee the game between Castleford Tigers and London Broncos while James Vella has been given the Salford Red Devils and Warrington Wolves gig.
Click here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel