Tensions are escalating ahead of the State of Origin Game III as the National Rugby League (NRL) confirmed the reappointment of veteran referee Ashley Klein for the series decider, sparking outrage from New South Wales (NSW) officials and fans alike.
Klein, who officiated Game II in Perth, has come under heavy scrutiny after a controversial 9–0 penalty count in favor of Queensland, which many Blues supporters argue unfairly influenced the Maroons’ 26–24 comeback victory. Despite the backlash, the NRL stood by the appointment, citing internal performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) that ranked Klein as the top referee.
> “We base our appointments on performance and consistency, not public opinion,” said an NRL spokesperson. “Ashley Klein remains one of the most reliable officials in the game.”
However, the decision has been met with fierce criticism from the NSW camp. Coach Michael Maguire reportedly expressed disappointment in private, while a growing number of fans have taken to social media calling for protests ahead of the July 9 clash at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Many NSW supporters believe the decision undermines the integrity of the final match, calling it a “slap in the face” after what they describe as one-sided officiating.
> “It’s absolutely outrageous. How can they justify it after that penalty count?” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), echoing the views of thousands.
This latest controversy adds fuel to an already fiery series, with the Maroons and Blues locked at 1–1 in what has become one of the most intense Origin series in recent years.
As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on the NRL to ensure the final game is remembered for the players—not the referee.
