LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Men in the middle ready for the ultimate Test on Ashes stage

Grant Atkins from Australia and Liam Moore from England will be evaluated based on specific performance criteria to ascertain who officiates the critical third Test at Headingley, which could decide the Ashes series.

The Rugby Football League confirmed on Monday that Moore will referee the opening match of the series at Wembley Stadium in London, while Atkins, who is set to arrive next week, will take charge of the return match at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on November 1.

This situation sets the stage for a potentially controversial officiating choice for the Headingley match on November 8, especially if the series ends up tied. Historical incidents in the State of Origin from the 1980s and 1990s, when appointments were managed by state leagues rather than the NRL, generated considerable media attention.

The RFL did not provide a comment regarding whether officials' errors would be recorded.

Additionally, it was confirmed that if the series and third Test are level after 80 minutes in Leeds, a golden point system will be implemented to determine the winner. This marks an Ashes first and is also unusual for a bilateral three-Test series in rugby league.