League: Row breaks out over State of Origin ref

The appointment of a new referee for next week's second State of Origin match across the Tasman is creating controversy.

Paul Simpkins has been dumped in favour of Steve Clark, after New South Wales and Queensland failed to agree on who the ref should be.

Clark is seen as the third choice.

Big League Magazine editor Neil Cadigan said because the appointment was taken out of the NRL's hands the dispute was inevitable.

Cadigan said Mander was not wanted by Queensland as there may have been a perceived bias, given that he comes from Brisbane.

New South Wales did not want Simpkins after his effort in the first match, when coach Ricky Stuart was unhappy with his performance.

Cadigan said on the basis of NRL form, Paul Simpkins is the best referee at the moment.

The second State of Origin match is next Wednesday in Sydney.

- NEWSTALK ZB