Rugby League: We get our choice of ref

The Kiwis have secured one minor victory ahead of an Anzac test that is not expected to provide much in the way of glory for New Zealand league.

The rank outsiders have at least got the referee they wanted for tonight's clash - NRL League whistler Sean Hampstead.

Hampstead, who officiated during the Kiwis' surprise 30-16 win over the Kangaroos at North Harbour Stadium last October, was the New Zealand Rugby League's clear preference.

Tim Mander is rated the NRL's No 1, but the NZRL overlooked him and the other candidate, Steve Clark, who got offside with the Kiwis for his officiating during the drawn series with Great Britain in 2002.

While the NZRL has gained this concession, former leading referee Bill Harrigan said politics should not come into play when the match official was selected.

"I'm happy for Sean that he's been handed the post, but I have to say I still can't stomach the politics when it comes to appointing test referees. It degrades the enormity of the occasion."

Harrigan, who retired after last year's NRL grand final, said Mander, as the No 1, should have been an automatic selection for the test.

"If you're No 1 in the game, the test job should be yours but that's not how it works."

Harrigan was critical of New Zealand's right to discuss and debate a panel of referees supplied by the Australian Rugby League before a decision was made.

"In this case New Zealand selected Sean and there's no doubt they believe he will be better suited to their style of play.

"The only point that needed to be discussed is which country the referee is coming from. When that was decided, the top whistleblower gets the job."

Hampstead will be hoping for a better reception tonight after being spat on by an angry Manly fan last Sunday.

- NZPA