does seem a bit odd, aussie england game should automatically be a kiwi ref, dont know why you say they are not good enough! only reason you have no kiwi lads in the middle for NRL games is you insist they have to be aus based!! and if i am correctly informed Sydney



The better way of doing it would be the fair way Aus NZ games have a northern hemis ref, england games have a suitable ref for the opposition and same for PNG



I bet you lot would have whinged if they had announced Mr Silverwood as bloke in the middle

Why?

It doesn't matter. Get on and play the game.

It matters not for the accusation that Archer might or might not be biased but it matters for the credilbility of the sport. Just try explaining to someone with a passing interst in the game why the ref is from one of the competing countries. They'll laugh at you and tell you what an insular little game it is you're watching.

I don't think that is anywhere near the indication.



Australian referees have used 'interpretation of the rules' to the best advantage of the Southern Hemisphere teams and then when some of the rugby gods venture onto the shores of our grey little island they either coach english/sle referees to the 'expected standard' or kick up a stink until the RFL folds and gives them all their demands. The RFL is too weak in a lot these situations.



But it is now game on for the lads and they have to play whatever goes on the field.

Warranabsoluteloadobollox.

It's the same for both sides. Play the game and play it HARD.

"It's the same for both sides". What sort of t*ss is that?



It clearly is NOT the same for both sides.





That is the whole point of the post.

It would be the same for both sides if we had a neutral ref.

All the ref has to do is explain what he expects before the game.

who gives a f **k where the ref is from as long as he is seen to be fair - that can only be judged AFTER the game - you can't predict refs decisions or attitudes

it's a pretty pointless exercise to criticise officials BEFORE a match !

Are we the only supposed international sport in the world where the ref in the biggest game is from one of the competing nations? The Atlantic Cup is on in November and all three games will have a neutral ref. Why is the idea of a neutral ref so difficult for some people to grasp? It undermines the games crdibility if the ref is from one of the participating countries. It has nothing to do with Archer's ability to officiate it's about the appearance of the game which at the moment is Mickey Mouse. We only need to develop an international standard ref from three countries to always have a neutral ref. Is that a difficult task?

from that deludedpom you are inferring that a ref from a participating country is biased in some way - it's never been a great problem in cricket (except for a certain Pakistani umpire & Mike Gatting) so why should it be any different in RL ?

Phil Bentham had three good games in the recent Alitalia Cup series in france but i'm sure Thierry Alibert would have done just as good a job.

As I keep saying,wait till after the game and judge the refs performance accordingly.

regarding the Aus v Eng game on sunday the english players will have to be aware of the aussie refereeing styles which shouldn't be a problem for professional international sportsmen.Just don't use it as an excuse if/when they get stuffed.