Queensland’s 20th man Josh Kerr has taken a cheeky swipe at State of Origin referee Ashley Klein, jokingly referring to him as a “double agent” following Queensland’s serious-clinging win over the Blues in last night’s decider.
The Dolphins forward made the remarks in an interview with Fox Sports News on Thursday morning following a night of celebrations that carried into the morning.
As Kerr reflected on the Maroons’ 24–12 victory at Accor Stadium in Sydney, and riding high on the team’s success, he playfully fired a few lighthearted barbs at Klein over his officiating in game three.
“I thought Ash Klein did a bit to try and, you know, even it up or make it a bit closer,” Kerr said.
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“We were sitting there going, ‘it’s rorted, the game’s rorted’.
“I haven’t got the best eyesight at times but I’m watching four passes and sh*t.
“We were all on the sideline just going, ‘oh, no, it’s a double agent’.”
While the comments may have raised eyebrows, the NRL veteran delivered the pointed remarks about Klein with a grin on his face throughout.
“It makes it more exciting, doesn’t it, and it brings out the Queenslander in all those players,” Kerr stated
The comments from the Maroons’ extended squad member come amid ongoing scrutiny of Klein’s officiating – particularly after game two in Perth, where he faced heavy criticism over a lopsided 10–2 penalty count in Queensland’s favour.
However, following his performance in last night’s Origin decider, Klein hasn’t faced nearly the same level of criticism – possibly due to New South Wales winning the game three penalty count 7–3.