First round referee appointments

Ben Thaler will take charge of the Super League opener between Widnes and Wakefield on Friday.

On the same night, Phil Bentham will referee champions Leeds as they start the defence of their Super League title against Hull KR. Bentham will also be the video referee the following night, for Salford’s televised game against Castleford, their first competitive game at the new Salford City Stadium. That game will be refereed by Thierry Alibert.

Full list of appointments below:

Leeds v Hull KR – Phil Bentham
Widnes v Wakefield – Ben Thaler

London v St Helens – Robert Hicks
Salford v Castleford – Thierry Alibert

Bradford v Catalan – James Child
Hull v Warrington – Steve Ganson
Wigan v Huddersfield – Richard Silverwood