New developments have emerged regarding Ashley Klein.
According to a former referee who spoke to Nine.com.au, "He reached out to me a few years back and asked for a $5000 loan - said he was going through some tough times."
Additionally, the referee noted, "I know of at least two other match officials who he also hit up."
He emphasized, "He didn't say what it was for - but it was pretty obvious."
Before the Herald's article was published, Klein had already gained notoriety in Queensland, particularly after sending off Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga during the series opener.
This decision was due to a shoulder charge that resulted in NSW winger Tolutau Koula being knocked out of the match after a failed HIA.
The NRL is said to have been alerted to Klein's gambling activities prior to the Herald's exposé, leading to an internal review years earlier.
In 2023, Klein proactively closed his betting accounts and registered on the national self-exclusion list, known as BetStop.
Ultimately, the NRL's investigation concluded that there was no breach of its rules or policies.