Oldham ref Hicks gets Challenge Cup final gig

Super League referee Robert Hicks

Rugby League

Oldham official Robert Hicks has been selected to referee the 2018 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. 

Former Hulme School pupil Hicks, who took charge of the semi-final between Catalans Dragons and St Helens, has officiated at all levels of the game over the past eight years, including Betfred Super League, Championship and League 1 games.

In 2016, he officiated the Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford between Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors. 

He also has a wealth of international experience, taking charge of a Australia v France in the group stage games of the RL World Cup 2017 and officiating as touch judge for a number of other games including the semi-final between Tonga and England in Auckland, New Zealand.

Assisting him on the day will be touch judges Richard Thompson and Liam Moore, while Ben Thaler will be the video referee.

Chris Kendall has been appointed as Reserve Referee and Reserve Touch Judge will be Marcus Griffiths.

Steve Ganson, Head of Match Officials, said: “Robert has delivered consistently high level performances throughout 2018.

"This appointment is a recognition of those efforts.

"I am also very pleased to appoint what we consider to be a very strong and experienced match officials team.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.