Referee Ben Thaler suspended by RFL

The 38-year-old took charge of Leeds Rhinos’ 30-4 defeat by Hull in Betfred Super League round one, but has not refereed since.

An RFL statement issued on Monday said: “Ben Thaler will not be considered for appointments pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

“The RFL will make no further comment until that investigation is complete.”

Thaler, from Wakefield, has been a Super League referee since 2005 and was in the middle for the 2015 Challenge Cup final and Super League title decider.

The RFL have given no indication as to the nature of their investigation.