Super League officials are set to appoint a new full-time referee following Ashley Klein's decision to join the NRL.
World Cup final referee on his way back to Australia
Super League officials are set to appoint a new full-time referee following Ashley Klein's decision to join the National Rugby League.
The 29-year-old former Parramatta reserve-grade player has officiated in the British top flight for five years and he went on to take charge of November's World Cup final between hosts Australia and New Zealand.
His career was not without controversy though, with outraged Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart quitting his post after abusing the officials following that shock 34-20 defeat in Brisbane.
Klein has since decided to return to his native Australia and Rugby Football League's match officials director Stuart Cummings has paid tribute to 2005's Super League referee of the year.
"Ashley has had a very difficult decision to make but has understandably decided to join his family in Australia," Cummings said.
"Therefore, we have decided it is in the best interests of all parties concerned to accept his resignation with immediate effect.
"We understand that following the announcement last week that his family wish to stay in Australia that the NRL has subsequently offered him a position in their competition.
"Ashley's progress since joining the southern referees society six years ago is a tribute to the programmes in place to develop match officials in the UK.
"His departure now provides a fantastic opportunity for three or four young match officials to stake their claim to join the elite ranks of referees in this country."
The hunt is on for Klein's replacement, with the new season set to get underway when champions Leeds Rhinos host new boys Celtic Crusaders on February 6.
