1.00pm
LEEDS - The contentious decision over who will referee the Tri-Nations test between Australia and Great Britain on Saturday has been postponed until Thursday, England's Rugby Football League said today.
The New Zealand Rugby League had expected neutral referees to take control of all matches in the series, with its nominee
being Christchurch official Glen Black.
However, Kangaroo coach Wayne Bennett last week questioned whether Black was experienced enough for the assignment.
RFL match officials director Stuart Cummings said today that talks we continuing between the members of the tournament subcommittee.
The subcommittee comprises the chairmen of the three competing countries -- Selwyn Pearson (New Zealand), Colin Love (Australia) and Richard Lewis (Great Britain).
Cummings said there would be no problem in delaying a decision, first expected yesterday, until Thursday.
"All the referees involved are aware they could be refereeing this weekend and are preparing for that outcome," he said.
"There's no problem there. They will prepare as they normally would."
The others in line for the job at the City of Manchester Stadium are Englishman Russell Smith, who controlled the two Tri-Nations matches so far between the Kiwis and Kangaroos, and Australian Tim Mander.
NZRL vice-chairman Selwyn Bennett, who is travelling with the Kiwis, said today that New Zealand would refuse to have an Australian control their two tests against Great Britain if Black was not appointed for Saturday.
He said Black had proved himself in the European Nations Cup and in English Super League matches last season.
"Our players are good enough and so are our referees," he said.
"We brought Glen over here at our own expense to be a neutral referee. It's time to make a stand. If not, we will become a backwater."
Black is officiating in this year's three-week European tournament, which involves England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Russia, and concludes with a final at Warrington on November 7.
He will also control the Anzacs' match against Cumbria at Workington tomorrow night.
- NZPA
Kiwis and Tri-Nations fixtures and results 2004
