The Courier-Mail is calling for Ashley Klein to be axed as State of Origin referee after his controversial call to send off Kalyn Ponga on Wednesday night. Ponga was sent off by Klein in the 57th minute for a shoulder charge on Tolu Koula in the Maroons’ heartbreaking Origin I loss at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

Klein consulted the bunker but sensationally dismissed Ponga, a decision which led to the stunning Blues comeback.

However, Ponga escaped suspension and was only hit with a $6900 fine. 

The match was Klein's 13th consecutive Origin in charge and his 21st overall. Today, The Courier-Mail is calling for it to be his last.