Klein to referee opening State of Origin

Melissa Woods | May 31, 2022

Ashley Klein has been handed the whistle to referee the opening State of Origin match in Sydney next Wednesday, which will be his ninth in charge.

Klein won the top job for the Accor Stadium match ahead of touch judges Phil Henderson and David Munro, while Grant Atkins is the bunker official.

Klein was rewarded for his “consistency” through the NRL season.

“Ashley has officiated extremely well throughout the 2022 premiership and deserves his place in the first Origin match,” said NRL head of football Graham Annesley.

“Origin is one of the pinnacle appointments in our game and all of the officials nominated should be proud of this achievement.”