Australian Matt Cecchin will be in charge of the Four Nations final on Saturday when the Kangaroos take on England.
Matt Cecchin in charge in Leeds
Australian Matt Cecchin will be the referee in charge of the Gilette Four Nations final on Saturday when the Kangaroos take on England.
He got the nod ahead of Super League official Phil Bentham and inexperienced New Zealander Henry Perenara.
It means an Australian will referee the final for a second consecutive year. A year ago Tony Archer was in charge of the Brisbane final, in which the Kiwis beat Australia 16-12.
New Zealander Leon Williamson refereed the last England-Australia final at Elland Road two years ago but Perenara effectively ruled himself out of contention with his blunders at Wembley, where he wrongly disallowed an England try and failed to show a red card to Australian forward Tony Williams for the high tackle which subsequently earned him a one-match suspension.
Officials agreed a policy in advance of having neutral referees throughout the group stages and picking the best man for the final.
England's clear preference was for Warrington referee Bentham but he upset Australia coach Tim Sheens after his side's win over New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament.
Cecchin's name emerged from talks between representatives of England, Australia and New Zealand.
Sell-out
