Ashley Klein’s decision to send off Kalyn Ponga has been slammed by the commentators and fans online alike.
New South Wales were handed the impetus when Ponga was sent off for what was deemed a shoulder charge to the head of Tolu Koula.
The slow-mo replays seemed to show that there was contact between the two players’ heads as Koula was tackled from behind as well.
From a second reverse angle the on-field official deemed that there was a shoulder charge instead.
The footage clearly shows that Ponga’s left arm did not attempt to wrap but it did not make contact with the head.
Commentators and fans have been left baffled by the decision as it seemed the bunker wanted to get involved and help review the decision.
Kalyn Ponga was given his marching orders for what official Ashley Klein described as a shoulder charge to head of Tolu Koula
Replays seemed to show that the contact was, in fact, head to head
‘Well it’s a head clash, but you see the left arm how he tucks it and doesn’t try to wrap, they’ll rule this a shoulder charge, whether he goes to the bin or not.’
Klein can be heard saying it was a ‘shoulder charge’ with ‘direct contact to the head’.
To which a commentator can be heard saying, ‘No way is that send off, it’s a sin bin, if he goes in and wraps up there and still makes contact head on head how can you send him off?’
‘Over the last couple of years we have been disappointed with the impact of the bunker, there the bunker wanted to come in and give him 10 minutes.’
Their confusion over the red card was matched by watchers on social media.
Ex-Panda wrote on X, ‘Well “they ref the Origin” crowd are vindicated because they never send that off in club football.’
Another, Kieran L added, ‘He’s being dragged down and it’s a head clash and the ref overruled the guy with actual footage, this is an absolute rort.’
Another user didn’t hold back in their criticism of the official, writing, ‘Head clash. Klein is the worst ref going. Had to have an influence. Did not listen to the bunker.’
While one more suggested he should be fired, ‘You need to fire Ashley Klein or never let him ref Origin again, because that is ridiculous. I support Manly and Queensland and that was not a send off.’
Winger Koula also immediately left the field and failed his HIA, with the Blues able to activate Casey McLean as an 18th man in place of the Manly speedster.
Ponga had been one of the Maroons’ best as they shot out to a 20-6 lead, looking threatening from the opening minutes.
With him off the field, NSW crossed five minutes later through Ethan Strange to breathe life back into the match.
Ponga’s send off made the Newcastle No.1 the first player since Joseph Aukuso-Suallii in the 2024 series opener to be given their marching orders.
PLAYERS SENT OFF IN AN ORIGIN GAME:
* Craig Greenhill (QLD) – High Tackle – 62nd minute, Game II, 1996
* Gorden Tallis (QLD) – Referee Abuse, 71st minute, Game I, 2000
* Trent Waterhouse (NSW) – Striking, 78th minute, Game III, 2009
* Jarome Luai (NSW) – Headbutt, 79th minute, Game II, 2023
* Reece Walsh (QLD) – Headbutt, 79th minute, Game II, 2023
* Joseph Suaalii (NSW) – High Tackle – 8th minute, Game I, 2024
* Kalyn Ponga (QLD) – Shoulder Charge – 58th minute, Game I, 2026.
