I guess we'll get an update later in the week on the other officials, but here goes for now:
Referee: Jack Smith (Wigan)
His first time refereeing an Oxford game, although he was touch judge in at least 2 of our 2014 games. Also in 2014 he made his Super League debut as in-goal judge and touch judge. First refereeing appointment at our level was in May 2015. Last week he refereed York v South Wales.
Was 2014 NCL referee of the year, following in the footsteps of the likes of Phil Bentham and James Child. Last year was the Wigan Referees' Society Referee of the year, and here's the proof:
Either that or the referee is our new player Jack Smith, which might give us a bit of an edge.
Match Commissioner: Keith Leyland (Wigan)
Was last a match commissioner at an Oxford game in 2014. Before that did the same role at the 2013 Challenge Cup final and during the 2013 World Cup. Won the 2015 Chairman's Award for the Wigan Referees' Society. As you can see, they don't go for small trophies in Wigan. The guy in the background must have talked out of turn at some point...
Match Assessor: Thierry Alibert (France)
Previously a full time referee, who spent five years in Super League until 2013, also refereeing World Cup and World Club Challenge games. Then moved to being head of match officials in France.
Best known recently for "Are you sure, Thierry?".
