Kiwis rugby league coach Stephen Kearney says he’d have no issues with an Australian referee taking charge if they make the World Cup final against the Kangaroos.
World Cup organisers, headed by Australian Rugby League (ARL) chairman Colin Love, are reportedly exploring the prospect of appointing the final referee on merit, rather than insisting on a neutral official.
The National Rugby League’s top referee Tony Archer has control of Sunday night’s match between the Kangaroos and England, with no referees from New Zealand or other competing countries deemed up to the required standard.
Kearney said he wouldn’t complain if Archer was given the whistle if his side met Australia again.
“It worries me in a sense, the lack of depth in the referees, (but) I always think the best man should do the job,” Kearney said.
“It wouldn’t bother me if an Australian was refereeing an Australia versus Kiwis game if he was the best man for the job.
“That’s an issue that needs to be brought up, maybe trying to introduce some New Zealand referees into the NRL or Toyota Cup.”
The New Zealand Rugby League has adopted a similar stance.
While NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden wasn’t commenting publicly, it was understood he contacted Love about several questionable decisions from English-based Australian whistler Ashley Klein and television referee Steve Ganson – also an English Super League ref – during the Kiwis’ 6-30 loss to the Kangaroos on Sunday.
Ganson will control the Kiwis’ match against Papua New Guinea on Saturday.
“I can’t go into detail but we have raised it,” Haffenden told the New Zealand Herald.
Haffenden said his personal opinion was the best referee should officiate the final, regardless.
“If an Aussie is the best referee he should do it”.
