Phil Bentham

Phil Bentham (born 28 October 1971 in Leigh, Lancashire) is an English professional rugby league referee. He is one of the Rugby Football League's Full Time Match Officials.

Bentham's first pro game was Sheffield Eagles V London Skolars on 22 February 2004. His first Super League game was Wakefield Trinity V Hull F.C. on 11 September 2005. He has refereed the 2011 and 2014 Super League Grand Finals.

He was a touch judge in 2005 Challenge Cup Final.

He was the video referee in the Challenge Cup Final in 2009. He was the referee in the 2011, 2013 and 2014 Challenge Cup Finals.

Bentham was one of the match officials to be involved in the Carnegie Floodlit Nines in 2009.

• He refereed Wales v Scotland in 2007.
• He was the video referee in France v England on 24 October 2009 in the 4 Nations.
• He was the Video ref for France v NZ on 31 October 2009 in the 4 Nations.
• He has refereed Italy v Serbia on 8 November 2009.
• He was appointed ref for all matches at the 2010 Atlantic Cup.
• He was referee in the 2011 four nations
• he was referee in the 2013 rugby league World Cup

2014 Four Nations Final (AUS vs NZ)

On 4 May 2012, Bentham was refereeing the Super League clash between Wigan and Hull Kingston Rovers at the DW Stadium live on Sky Sports, when he collided during an off-the-ball incident with Rovers' Shannon McDonnell after 17 minutes, and suffered a fractured tibia. He was given oxygen while being carried off on a stretcher whilst being applauded from the crowds and was taken to the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan; touch judge Robert Hicks took over as referee, and Andrew Smith the reserve official took Hicks' place on the line. Wigan went on to win 36-22.

Bentham returned to full on-field duties at the start of 2013 Super League Season.