State of Origin coaches Billy Slater and Laurie Daley have both leapt to the defence of referee Ashley Klein after claims made over his previous problems with gambling.
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Klein reportedly lost over $400,000 betting on horse racing and greyhound racing, according to a report from the Sydney Morning Herald.
Klein said in a statement “my job as a referee has never been impacted” and he was cleared of any wrongdoing by the NRL but the issue has sparked widespread debate, with some questioning whether he should be allowed to officiate Wednesday night’s crucial Origin Game II.
Slater and Daley were both asked about the issue at Wednesday’s official press conference on match eve in Melbourne.
“To be honest, I personally think it’s unfair to have something personal like that to be revealed publicly. It hasn’t been discussed within our camp,” Slater responded.
“That’s my personal position with it, I think it’s quite unfair on him.”
Daley added: “I agree with Billy. It’s challenging when things like that get brought up and I just hope he’s got the right support and the people around him.
“We’ve got no concerns with Ashley being apart of the game.”
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The coaches were then asked by the same reporter if they could “appreciate the optics” of Klein remaining in charge given the recent development.
“Yeah, for sure,” Slater replied while Daley didn’t answer.
It wasn’t the only tricky question the Blues coach fielded.
Following a report from Code Sports that ran just hours before Tuesday’s press conference that suggested Daley was failing to inspire some Blues players, the NSW legend was asked to respond to the narrative around his coaching ability at this level – a question Daley responded with a laugh.
“I want what’s best for New South Wales. I want to win, I want the boys to win and I want to fans to win,” he said.
“If I can satisfy everyone from New South Wales and the boys are really happy with their performance, then great.
“It’s very funny. You get excited when you win, and disappointed when you lose. There’s nowhere in between.
The same question was also put to Blues star Cam Murray.
“I don’t read into too much of the outside noise all I know is what’s being said inside the four walls,” Murray said.
“We want to make the Blues proud and we’re all doing the best job we can to prep as good as we can and Laurie is a big part of that.
“He’s our leader and what he’s done for the jersey as a player and coach has been incredible and we want to repay all that hard work and get the win for him tomorrow.”