GB get the ref they want for Australia clash

Great Britain have struck the first blow ahead of Saturday's Tri-Nations clash with Australia by winning the choice of referee.

Super League referee Ashley Klein will control the match at the Aussie Stadium in Sydney, despite being criticised by Australia coach Ricky Stuart for his performance in the first two games between the Kangaroos and New Zealand.

Klein, the 2005 Super League referee of the year who was born in Australia but has lived in England for the last six years, was criticised by Stuart for failing to keep a strict 10 metres.

The appointment, which goes against international policy of neutral referees, was made after consultation with all three countries.

Glenn Black was New Zealand's representative but is not thought to be up to the standard while Australia are thought to have wanted their own man, Paul Simpkin, in charge.

Simpkin, whose performance in Britain's 18-14 defeat by New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday was criticised by Lions boss Brian Noble, is expected to referee the next Anglo-Aussie meeting in Brisbane.