Coaches Billy Slater and Laurie Daley have voiced their support for State of Origin referee Ashley Klein after his gambling history was made public.
Speaking at the pre-Origin press conference in Melbourne, Slater was asked about Klein and the Queensland coach said he felt it was “unfair” the referee’s personal life had been made public.
“To be honest, I personally think it’s unfair to have something personal like that be aired publicly,” Slater said.
“I feel for Ashley … it hasn’t been discussed within our camp and that’s my personal position with it. I think it’s quite unfair on him.”
Klein confirmed he battled an addiction after a report suggested he lost $400,000, with the game’s top whistleblower issuing a statement saying his…