The NRL has announced that the refereeing for the opening game of the 2026 State of Origin series will mirror that of the regular season.
This decision may not surprise fans, yet it has sparked significant discussion within the rugby league community.
While statistics may not support the claim, many believe there is a tangible difference in how club games and Origin games are officiated each year.
In Origin matches, referees tend to let more go, keeping the whistle in their pocket for longer periods, and the infamous six-again bell is likely to be less frequent.
"Any suggestion that referees are given different instructions for Origin is completely false; they simply respond to what unfolds in front of them," Annesley stated.
Origin showcases the elite players in the league, individuals who not only demonstrate exceptional skills but also typically exhibit greater discipline.
"That's what makes them so good, they are not constantly making errors or conceding penalties. When you put those factors together, it requires less intervention from referees," he added.
"Referees only need to intervene when teams aren't complying with the rules or where there are a lot of errors being made, whether it be knock-ons, forward passes, or any other form of ill-discipline that requires more whistleblowing."
This year, the focus on officiating and the associated rules has intensified more than ever before.