Rugby League World Cup Final referee Ashley Klein will officiate in the Telstra Premiership in 2009.
Klein has accepted an offer to join the NRL’s full-time squad of referees after spending the past six seasons officiating in the English Super League.
Klein, the 2006 International Referee of the Year, has controlled three Super League Grand Finals, the first Challenge Cup Final at the new Wembley, the 2006 Tri Nations Final between Australia and New Zealand and last year’s World Cup Final, also between New Zealand and Australia.
“To be given the chance to referee in the NRL is a dream for me and I can’t wait to get to Australia and begin training with the other officials,” Klein said today.
“It’s a great challenge for me, especially with the two-referee system in place for this year, and it is one I am looking forward to.”
NRL Referees Coach Robert Finch today welcomed Klein into the NRL ranks.
“Ashley is a great addition to our team and adds depth and experience to our full-time squad,” Finch said.
“It’s a significant year for the game with two referees to be used in Telstra Premiership matches for the first time and Ashley’s big-game experience will be valuable in helping us make that transition.”
English Rugby Football League Match Officials Director Stuart Cummings added: “Ashley has had a very difficult decision to make and it is with regret that we have accepted his resignation.
“We wish him well in his new challenge in the National Rugby League.”
Klein will start working with the NRL referees squad in the next few weeks.
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