The referees for Game 2 of the 2018 State of Origin series have been announced, with Gerard Sutton and Ashley Klein confirmed to retain their spot in the middle.
The announcement comes on the back of a horror weekend for Klein, who was in the bunker for the game featuring the Wests Tigers and Canberra Raiders at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday afternoon. A try to Shannon Boyd was sent to the bunker, with the green lights expected to be shown, except that Klein overruled the decision to give it a no try, based on the fact he didn’t think the ball had reached the ground.
While Klein’s effort in the bunker on Sunday was questionable, as was his original selection for the series over referees like Matt Cecchin and Ben Cummins, Origin 1 was refereed differently to the rest of the NRL season.
There were just five penalties blown across the course of the contest. Given the officiating crackdown on issues such as offside and ruck infringements this season, the count came as a surprise but saw a free, fast-flowing game between the Blues and Maroons.
Senior manager of NRL officiating Bernard Sutton said it was important to be consistent.
“Both referees officiated very well in the opening State of Origin game and it is certainly beneficial to maintain some consistency through the course of the series,” Sutton said.
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Assist Referee: Ashley Klein
Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy
Review Official: Ben Galea
Touch Judges: Nick Beashel, Brett Suttor
Standby Referee: Ben Cummins
Standby Touch Judge: Chris Butler
The game, which is set to be played at ANZ Stadium this Sunday, June 24, is the first standalone Origin to be played in decades, with the Maroons needing a win to keep the series alive and avoid a dead rubber back at home for Game 3.
[latest_videos_strip category=”rugby-league” name=”League”]
Tony
Guest
What if they give an advatange to NSW? They won't ruin the 2018 series :D
punter
Guest
What has Chechin done that he can't get a look in?
steveng
Roar Rookie
Lets hope that these two bugalugs are not running to a script e.g. G. Suttons is well known for his 'meltdown(s) and A. Klein's is well known for his incompetence!!!! They did a good job in SOO-1 (minimal penalties and fair calls both ways) but, if they decide to give an advantage to Qld, then they will ruin the 2018 series, just like its been and its so well known for the 'same old same old' that we've had for decades. Hope they continue with the same pattern of SOO-1 then all will be good. Let the best team win, then there will be no whinging and/or any controversy.
Michael Cusack
Guest
That encapsulates the problems of refereeing in recent years, rewarding poor performance. Klein has never been a good ref, he occasionally achieves mediocre standards and last weekend he reverted to his mean. On his good days he seems to be the kind of guy who knows all the rules but has no idea of the game.
Paul
Roar Guru
I can't see a lot of point in whinging about the refs. They've been selected for what ever reason and we're stuck with them. I just hope they have a good game, don't make any/too many contentious decisions and don't negatively affect the games result. Of course, if they screw up.....
KenoathCarnt
Guest
If they can see a forward pass and a player stripping the ball it should be a good game.
Peter
Guest
Are you hopelessly optimistic (for almost four decades) or just a really really slow learner? Why bother watching at all if it leaves you so unhappy?
3 recalcitrant monkeys
Guest
38 years we've had to put up with this rubbish !..
kk
Guest
Less penalties than O1 would be applauded.
Nat
Roar Guru
How on earth does Klein manage that. He is bad on the field and worse with the video to assist.
david crich
Guest
there were only 5 penalties granted, BUT there were 5 refereeing mistakes, they are ignored. The match committee's instructions for the NRL competition were not carried out. Is it any wonder the sporting public are disillusioned with the refereeing under Bernard Sutton's control, i know I am.