Richard Silverwood to referee Challenge Cup final

Richard Silverwood has been refereeing games since the age of 12

Yorkshireman Richard Silverwood has been appointed to referee this year's Challenge Cup final between Leeds and Warrington at Wembley on 28 August.

It is his second final but a first at Wembley for Silverwood, who officiated at the game between St Helens and Huddersfield at Twickenham in 2006.

Dewsbury-born Silverwood upset Leeds with his handling of February's World Club Challenge against Melbourne.

Centre Keith Senior was fined £1,000 for calling Silverwood "arrogant".

Senior later apologised for that immediate post-match outburst. And Leeds coach Brian McClennan insisted that "bygones have to be bygones" prior to Silverwood taking charge of his next Leeds game, the 26-20 defeat at Huddersfield in March.

He also handled Leeds' 41-20 defeat at St Helens in April.

But Silverwood has proved a lucky omen for Leeds in the last three games he has officiated involving them.

I have refereed in many big games during my career, including internationals and World Club Challenges, but the Challenge Cup final is something special

Richard Silverwood

He was in charge for their 26-12 win at Bradford in March, the 28-24 victory against St Helens in July and last weekend's 38-6 win at Castleford.

Silverwood, 33, began refereeing games at the age of 12 in under-nines matches.

By the time he was 18, he was supervising National Conference fixtures. And he became the youngest-ever referee to officiate in Super League when he took charge of the game between Halifax and Salford in May 2001.

"I am honoured to be given the opportunity to referee the final and I am looking forward to officiating for the first time at Wembley," said Silverwood.

"I have refereed in many big games during my career, including internationals and World Club Challenges, but the Challenge Cup final is something special."

Tony Martin and Robert Hicks have been named as Silverwood's touch-judges, while Ian Smith has been named as the video referee.