Ashley Klein will return to Old Trafford as the game’s No.1 referee after he and Belinda Sharpe were appointed to control this weekend’s men’s and women’s World Cup finals.
“To referee a World Cup final at Old Trafford is pretty special,” Klein said. “It is an amazing place.
“I was lucky enough to do three Super League grand finals there, so I understand how special it and obviously, Manchester United is famous all around the world so I am looking forward to it.” For Sharpe, the appointment is a successful finish to a ground-breaking tournament in which she and Kasey Badger both refereed men’s World Cup matches.They each had control of a women’s semi-final in the fog at York on and Sharpe won the nod to take charge of the decider between the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns at Old Trafford.
“It’s such an historic place. I know all of the players are excited about playing there in both competitions, and the officials are no different,” Sharpe said.“I am just really happy to be part of the World Cup campaign and referee in any capacity so to progress to a final as referee is a thrill. I am excited.”
Sharpe will be assisted by Australian touch judges Wyatt Raymond and Darian Furner, with Adam Gee as video referee, Liam Moore to adjudicate on captain’s challenges and Badger in the standby role.
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