After watching the State of Origin game 2 in 2025, it became glaringly obvious that Ashley Klein, the referee, showed bias towards the Queensland team. This favoritism turned what should have been a fair and competitive game into an unfair mismatch, tarnishing the integrity of one of rugby league's most celebrated events. Such partiality is unacceptable and calls for immediate action to preserve the fairness and spirit of the sport.

The role of a referee is to ensure that every game is played fairly and in accordance with the rules, without giving undue advantage to any side. When a referee fails in this essential duty, it undermines the sport's integrity and erodes fans' trust in the fairness of the competition. Rugby league fans expect and deserve impartiality from all officials, and when that expectation is not met, it has serious repercussions for the sport.

Ashley Klein's performance in the 2025 State of Origin game highlights a disturbing trend of bias that cannot be ignored. Numerous errors were made that favored one side over the other, raising questions about his ability to officiate at this level. The integrity of the NRL and its competitions depends on having competent and unbiased referees who uphold the spirit and rules of the game. A referee showing bias not only affects the outcome of games but also impacts the players who train hard and the fans who invest emotionally and financially in their teams.

Firing Ashley Klein is not just about one game—it’s about ensuring that all future matches are conducted fairly and justly, keeping in mind the true essence of sport. This is a call to the NRL to take necessary action by terminating Ashley Klein’s position to uphold the values of fairness and equality in rugby league. Sign this petition to demand that NRL addresses this pressing issue to ensure the integrity of the game is maintained for all stakeholders involved. Your support can help bring about change that enhances the sport we all love.