NRL grand final referee takes charge of Leeds Beckett match

Ben Cummins was the man in the middle for our University’s 60-10 victory over Manchester Metropolitan University at Headingley Campus on Wednesday afternoon.

It comes after he was part of the officiating team for the showpiece between Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium in front of 83,625 fans at the start of the month.

He is now gearing up for the Four Nations tournament between Australia, New Zealand, England and Scotland which is being held across the country before the final at Anfield on 20 November.

Ben, whose first appointment is the New Zealand-Australia clash at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena a week on Saturday, said his role in Leeds Beckett’s latest win was a useful part of his preparations.

Speaking afterwards, he said: “It was good. Because we have the two refs in the NRL I just wanted some experience back at the one ref just as a lead up to the games in the Four Nations.

“Even though it’s not at the speed of what I can expect it was good to have a run.”

Ben is among the most recognisable officials in the game having officiated in three NRL grand finals and he said being match-ready for the Four Nations tournament was just as big a consideration for referees as it is players.

“I think Australia and New Zealand are quality teams and England is building as well. I was here for the World Cup and thought Scotland were exciting then so I’m looking forward to seeing them again,” he said.

“They are quality athletes and we do a lot of work as well. We do probably similar training just not as much weights.

“We did the session here on Tuesday at the University and it was great, we worked really hard with the local referees so it’s just training, training, training and trying to keep up with them.”

Leeds Beckett’s victory over Manchester Met adds to earlier wins this season against Newcastle University and University of Hull and they sit top of the BUCS Premier North table with a +122 points difference.

Ben admitted he was impressed by what he saw, as well as the facilities he has been using at the University.

He added: “This team… I was surprised how good they were. The structure, their block and sweep plays was really good to watch.

“I wish we had the set-up like this back home. We have come and used the facilities through RFL fitness co-ordinator Ian Mitchell, who works at the University, and it’s fantastic.”