Kendall becomes full-time refeee

Kendall, 23, a former Huddersfield academy player, has taken charge of games in the Kingstone Press Championship and has been a regular touch judge at First Utility Super League matches.

"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."

RFL match officials director Steve Ganson said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Chris. It's a big step up to full-time refereeing but we feel he is on the right path and improving all the time."