Chris Kendall Reaches 200 Games In the Middle

Eagle-eyed viewers of Saturday’s Betfred Super League fixture between Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons may have noticed an unusual detail on the front of Chris Kendall’s match jersey.

Kendall was taking charge of his 200^th Super League fixture, since making his debut nine seasons ago – and he was presented with a commemorative jersey in the build-up to the match.

The 31-year-old from Huddersfield joins an exclusive club of match officials to have reached the 200 milestone since the start of Super League in 1996 – which is for on-field refereeing only, therefore not including video refereeing, and includes all Super League, Play-Offs and Super Eights matches, but does not include Challenge Cup ties or internationals. 

He is the 10^th member of the club, and only the second member of the current full-time squad to referee 200 Super League matches, joining Ben Thaler – who heads the list on a remarkable 437.

Phil Bentham, who recently returned to the RFL as Head of Match Officials and is fifth on the list with 322, said:

“On behalf of the Match Officials department, I’m delighted and honoured to congratulate Chris Kendall on refereeing his 200^thSuper League game last weekend at Headingley.

“He is only the 10th referee to achieve this milestone in the Super League era, and it is a reflection of almost a decade of the commitment, professionalism and strength of character necessary in the role.”

Kendall’s first Super League fixture was Warrington versus Hull in September 2015, and since then he has refereed the 2019 Betfred Super League Grand Final, Great Britain internationals against Tonga and New Zealand, and numerous other major fixtures.

If you’re interested in becoming a match official, the RFL run regular courses, with introductory information available online here Become a Match Official (rugby-league.com)