League: English ref gets the nod for Anzac test

The Australians have agreed to a neutral referee for the Anzac test with the appointment of Steve Ganson from England.

Ganson took the Tri-Nations final last year, won 24-0 by New Zealand.

Kiwis coach Brian McClennan is happy with his appointment for the May 5 test at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

The only Englishman refereeing in the NRL, Russell Smith, was considered out of form and was not nominated by the English Rugby League, which put forward Ganson, Carl Kirkpatrick and Ashley Klein as options.

Ganson is widely considered to be the best in the Super League, and the New Zealand Rugby League referee's boss Ian Mackintosh opted for him, with Australian Rugby League secretary Geoff Carr agreeing to the choice yesterday.

Mackintosh has appointed Craig Pascoe as the New Zealand touch judge. The Aussies are yet to determine theirs and also to name the video reviewer who will share duties with Mackintosh.

Meanwhile, Pascoe and Christchurch referee Glen Black have been granted Prime Minister's scholarships of $10,000 each to further their international opportunities. Black will go to Super League for a second time later this season and Pascoe is to attend the NRL referee's school.

* Two more prospective Kiwis sit out this weekend's NRL round with injury, joining Tigers Benji Marshall and Dene Halatau and Warriors Jerome Ropati and Manu Vatuvei. Roosters centre Iosaia Soliola has a knee problem and Tony Puletua has a rib cartilage tear.