LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a move that has become all too familiar in the world of Rugby League, Ashley Klein has found himself on the sidelines after the uproar surrounding last week's clash between the Roosters and the Storm.
The NRL's referee policy has once again raised eyebrows, with Klein being 'rested' for this weekend's upcoming games.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson was seething following the game, expressing his frustration with the Bunker and the referee after what he perceived to be a controversial call that led to a Storm try.
Robinson argued that the Storm shouldn't have been awarded a try to Eli Katoa and pointed out an alleged infringement by Reimis Smith in the lead-up to Xavier Coates' try.
To add to the drama, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was penalized for entering a tackle as the third man, despite replays suggesting otherwise.
"That was dangerous," Klein warned Waerea-Hargreaves.
Commentator Greg Alexander from Fox Sports chimed in, declaring it was "not a penalty" during the live coverage, further fueling the frustration felt by the Roosters players.
Despite this, the Roosters also benefited from some favorable calls, with Jahrome Hughes seemingly impeded during a chase for the ball.
As the match unfolded, Michael Jennings appeared to lose possession of the ball in the tackle, prompting cries from Storm players to the referee.
The game was littered with penalties, with Klein dishing out a total of 17, contributing to the 22 errors made by both teams.
It was far from a flawless display of Rugby League.
In response to the controversy, the NRL has decided to give Klein a break from his on-field duties this weekend.
It seems the rugby league gods have deemed it necessary for Klein to take a breather and regroup before returning to the intense world of NRL refereeing.