The NRL needs to stand down Ashley Klein from Origin. This is why

June 14, 2026 — 5:00am

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The NRL Integrity Unit invoked special measures to extend its powers in 2019 to ensure it was across the entirety of Ashley Klein’s betting activities.

The Herald on Friday revealed the leading NRL referee, who will take charge of Wednesday’s State of Origin match, was allowed to officiate in the code’s biggest games despite having had a gambling problem that cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The investigation reported that the NRL knew of Klein’s gambling issues for four years but let him continue to referee matches at the top level.

The Integrity Unit was made aware of Klein’s issues in 2019 and immediately commenced an investigation. Normally, the game will only look at rugby league betting of its players, officials and employees. However, they obtained far-reaching powers to ensure that they could see all of Klein’s actions on other sports, including horses and greyhounds. They never saw any evidence of betting on the NRL which is why the governing body is standing by him as the Origin referee on Wednesday night. It’s a brave show of loyalty to a man under fire.

NRL’s number one referee had $400k gambling problem

The NRL’s position is that the matter was dealt with several years ago. Where it is misreading the room is that for the public, this is fresh news that needs unpacking.

The NRL says Klein is up to handling the pressure of Wednesday night, but at the same time it is ignoring the misgivings of fans still getting their heads around the fact a leading referee has been revealed to have had a gambling problem.

When you consider the often negative view the public has of referees in general, and then throw in a gambling drama, you can understand why Klein may be better off having Wednesday night off.

He’s dealing with his issues publicly after having conquered them privately and that is not an easy thing to do. His family would have been impacted heavily by the revelations, even if they were already well aware of everything that he has been through.

The only saving grace for Klein is that the game is in Melbourne. While there will be thousands of interstate fans making their way to the MCG, it won’t be the same hard-nosed rugby league crowd as would be the case in a Sydney or Brisbane Origin.

Regardless, the NRL needs to give him a spell as the public digests the issue.

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© The Age