The NRL has thrown its support behind Ashley Klein after it emerged the game’s most senior referee battled a gambling problem that reportedly cost him more than $400,000.
Klein, who is due to officiate next Wednesday’s State of Origin clash at the MCG, revealed he sought help for an addiction to horse and greyhound racing betting after details of the matter became public on Friday.
The revelation comes just weeks after the veteran whistleblower found himself at the centre of one of the biggest controversies of the season when he sent Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga from the field during the opening State of Origin match in Brisbane.
Despite fierce backlash from Maroons supporters following the decision, the NRL publicly backed Klein and remained committed to appointing him to Origin II.
According to reports, the NRL first became aware of Klein’s gambling issues in 2019 and conducted an investigation before allowing him to continue refereeing at the highest level.
In a statement, Klein said the gambling problem had never involved rugby league.
The NRL has backed Ashley Klein after reports he lost more than $400,000 gambling
Klein admitted developing a gambling problem involving horse racing and greyhound racing
‘Many years ago I developed a problem with gambling on horse racing and greyhound racing,’ Klein said.
‘This gambling was not related to any betting on Rugby League, and my job as a referee has never been impacted.
‘I received help to deal with the problem and closed all associated betting accounts. This was a difficult period of my life but one which did not in any way influence my job as a match official.’
The NRL confirmed it had been aware of the issue for several years.
‘The NRL subsequently took appropriate steps to ensure there were no breaches of NRL rules and policies,’ a spokesman said.
‘At no stage has Ashley Klein’s position as an NRL match official been impacted.
‘The NRL takes proactive steps as a matter of course to provide education relating to rules and policy. Given this is an employment matter it would not be appropriate to comment further.’
The timing of the revelation is significant given Klein’s role in this year’s State of Origin series.
The NRL publicly supported Klein’s controversial Origin call involving Kalyn Ponga’s shoulder charge
His decision to send off Ponga for a shoulder charge on NSW winger Tolutau Koula during the opening game sparked heated debate across the rugby league world, with many Queensland supporters arguing the punishment was excessive.
The NRL, however, stood firmly behind its referee.
‘The NRL supports Ashley Klein’s decision to send off Kalyn Ponga during State of Origin Game One,’ NRL general manager of football Graham Annesley said after the match.
‘This incident involved clear and forceful shoulder-to-head and head to head contact with no mitigating factors.
‘Player safety is extremely important and the game will make no apology for taking strong action on foul play.’
Ponga was later charged with a Grade 2 Shoulder Charge and fined, but escaped suspension under State of Origin judiciary rules.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding both the send-off and the gambling revelation, Klein remains on track to take charge of his 14th consecutive State of Origin match when New South Wales and Queensland meet in Melbourne next week.
There is no suggestion Klein bet on rugby league matches, breached NRL betting regulations or acted improperly while officiating any game.
