England OK with referee Sutton

England coach Steve McNamara insists he has no concerns over Australian referee Gerard Sutton’s appointment to control Sunday’s crucial Four Nations rugby league clash with the Kangaroos.

There has been disquiet in English rugby league circles about the decision – reportedly after England were outvoted following four hours of debate – to go with Sutton rather than a “neutral” referee for the match at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.

New Zealand’s Henry Perenara could have been chosen but he will referee the Kiwis’ clash with Samoa in Whangarei on Saturday instead.

Englishman Phil Bentham has the weekend off after holding the whistle for New Zealand’s win over Australia last weekend in Brisbane.

“I think it is the same for choosing referees as when choosing an international team,” England coach Steve McNamara said on Friday.

“In the opinion of (tournament referees boss) Tony Archer and his assistants they have deemed that Gerard Sutton was the best referee last weekend and he gets the game with probably the biggest importance this weekend which is our game.

“I don’t have an issue with it.

“That’s the way the rules are now, that is the path that the international games has gone down for this tournament. I’m OK with that.

“People will always questions coaches’ selections on players, I think it is the same with referees, it is a difficult job.

“Gerard Sutton is a good referee, Phil Bentham is a good referee also. Henry Perenara gets his first start this weekend as well.”

Kangaroos skipper Cameron Smith agreed with the appointment.

“I agree with Steve, if Gerard Sutton is the best referee give him the start in the most important game,” Smith said.

“I don’t think any referee is partial to any other side, or the country where he lives or where he grew up, he is out there to officiate the match and I think he will do that fairly.

“I think Gerard Sutton has done a great job in the NRL this year.

“He is referee who is approachable, he talks to all the players on the field, so I think he will go a very good job.”

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