Chris Kendall appointed as a full-time match official

The RFL have confirned that Chris Kendall has been appointed as a full-time match official.

Kendall is a product of the RFL’s cadet programme, and has officated at games from National Conference level to the Championship.

The 23-year-old former Huddersfield academy player has also been a regular touch judge at Super League games since making his debut at that level in 2012.

“This next step of my career feels special,” he said.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do since being a young boy and getting involved at community level.

“I really enjoyed playing the game but I knew the right choice for me was in refereeing. It’s a great environment to be in with the other full-time officials. I’ve learnt a lot from guys like Ben Thaler and Steve Ganson.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for players and others to stay in Rugby League and experience the big moments like finals and Magic Weekend again.”

RFL match officials director Steve Ganson is very pleased to see a young official graduating from the RFL’s cadet programme.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Chris,” he said.

“It’s a big step up to full-time refereeing but we feel he is on the right path and improving all the time.

“He has produced some consist performances in League 1 and the Championship. We can see a lot of potential in Chris and he is really dedicated to this position.

“There are opportunities for high quality officials to follow a career pathway in refereeing.”