Ben Thaler will referee the 2015 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final, Hull Kingston Rovers v Leeds Rhinos at Wembley Stadium on Saturday August 29 (3.15pm).

The match will be Thaler’s first Wembley appearance as a referee having had the role of video referee and reserve referee in previous finals.

He will be assisted by touch-judges Joe Cobb and Clint Sharrad, whilst James Child and Richard Silverwood will be the video referees.

“I first got into refereeing in 1994. It was the week before the Challenge Cup final and I remember thinking how amazing it would be to referee at a stadium like Wembley,” said Thaler, who will be 34 on the day after the final.

“This is the first time I have been given the refereeing role at a Challenge Cup final. It’s the pinnacle for any referee in sport.

“No matter what game I am working at, from League 1 through to large events like this, I always approach them in the same professional manner. It’s a huge occasion and I’m sure Hull KR and Leeds will put on a great show.

“I’ve had phone calls from former referees Fred Lindop and John Holdsworth to congratulate me on this appointment. Stuart Cummings and Steve Ganson have been brilliant too with their support and guidance.”

Leeds RLRS have two officials involved in the 2015 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final with Jonathan Roberts appointed as Reserve Touch Judge after an excellent season and Steve Williams will act as timekeeper.

Ryan Calder of Leeds RLRS will referee the traditional curtain raiser to the main event, the Year 7 Champions Schools Final between Glantarf (Cardiff) v Wade Deacon (Widnes)