TARA Jones yesterday became the first woman to tackle an on-field match official role at Super League level.

The 21-year-old, who hails from Warrington and started playing rugby with Crosfields, was an in-goal judge as Wigan Warriors defeated Wakefield Trinity 30-18 at the DW Stadium.

Jones, a two-times winner of Warrington Rugby League Referees’ Society’s seasonal top award, is a grade two official whose climb up the ranks has included officiating in Challenge Cup matches and at Wembley in the Championship Schools curtain-raiser on cup final day.

She is also a women’s league Grand Final winner with Thatto Heath and is signed up as a hooker this season for the debutant St Helens Ladies team in the inaugural.

Jones, an England international, has also represented Lancashire in rugby union.