Ashley Klein will be stripped of all official duties this week for the decision that robbed the Wests Tigers of victory against North Queensland.
Klein was in the bunker when Tigers defender Asu Kepaoa was adjudged to have illegally kicked Kyle Felt off the ball. NRL football boss Graham Annesley has admitted the decision was wrong and cost the Tigers a famous win.
The NRL will announce its referee and bunker appointments later on Tuesday, but Klein is expected to be sacked over the weekend.
Rugby League Central takes responsibility for its officials and is also mindful of taking Klein out of the spotlight.
Klein was considered the game’s biggest whistleblower after officiating the home state games.
“He has been our number 1 referee for the last few months. He refereed all three Origins, he’s been operating in the bunker for many years, he’s at a very high level. We just don’t agree with the decision he made [on Sunday]Annesley said Monday.
Ashley Klein will be overlooked for this week’s assignments. Credit: NRL Photos
“There is no more responsible job than officiating in the NRL. We have a history of putting our hands up when things go wrong. When we feel there is a justification for officials to be held accountable for their decisions through demotion, then they will take that types of decisions.
“He will be told that we do not agree with the decision and will be told why we do not agree with that decision. Obviously, appointments are the most obvious way that officials are appointed or demoted.