Klein to referee Stuart’s Sharks

Ricky Stuart will be reunited with Ashley Klein this Sunday, nearly six months after Stuart lost the Australia job following the World Cup Final.

Stuart was relieved from his duties by the Kangaroos after acosting the referee in a Brisbane hotel after Klein made some controversial decisions in the Aussies’ World Cup Final defeat to New Zealand.

Klein will officiate the clash between the Sharks and North Queensland Cowboys this weekend.

But NRL referee’s boss Robert Finch has played down the appointment.

He said: “It’s done and dusted.

“They’ve already met and had a chat about it. As far as we’re concerned, the issue’s over. He needs his head on for the game – he doesn’t need the other side stuff. They’ve had a chat and they’ve mended their bridges. They’re moving on.”