Coaches Billy Slater and Laurie Daley have spoken out in support of referee Ashley Klein amid allegations regarding his gambling past.
According to a report from the Sydney Morning Herald, Klein faced significant losses exceeding $400,000 from betting on horse and greyhound races.
Klein maintains that "my job as a referee has never been impacted," and insists he has been found innocent of any wrongdoing by the NRL.
Nonetheless, this revelation has ignited a considerable discussion, raising doubts about his suitability to officiate in the upcoming Origin Game II.
During an official press conference held in Melbourne on the eve of the match, both Slater and Daley addressed the topic.
"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 the camp," Slater remarked.
He continued, "That's my personal position with it, I think it's quite unfair on him."