Leading referee axed for finals after Eden Park controversy

Sport NRL NRL Leading referee axed for finals after Eden Park controversy Lachlan Harper September 21, 2026 - 7.36am

shares Share article Leading referee Ashley Klein has been dropped for the preliminary finals this weekend after his performance during the Warriors and Knights match.

The Eden Park elimination final was marred in controversy by several contentious decisions, but perhaps the most glaring statistic for Klein was five successful captain’s challenges.

However, the most significant call was late in the match when Klein ruled Tyson Frizell was not an escort when Leka Halasima was taken out in a kick contest.

“Look at Tyson pretend to catch it, he’s a billion to one to catch that ball ... some of the great acting,” Andrew Johns said on Nine.

9news Sydney’s Danny Weidler has since reported that’s led to Klein missing out on a final.