Ashley Klein will become the most capped referee of all time tonight in the South Sydney Rabbitohs-Melbourne Storm match at Accor Stadium.
Klein will referee his 444th NRL Premiership match on Friday night, breaking the previous record held by Ben Cummins.
Cummins will present the jersey to Klein prior to the match, while Klein will also be presented with a game ball to mark the occasion.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM congratulated Klein for his durability and consistency over his long career.
“Ashley Klein has refereed at the highest level for 18 seasons,” Mr V’landys said.
“For someone to referee 444 matches takes incredible physical and mental fitness, resilience, dedication and effort.
“The referees play an important role in the game under immense scrutiny and pressure. For Ashley to be able to provide an environment that allows the players and teams to showcase their incredible skills on a weekly basis, so consistently over such a long period time, is a credit to him.
“Despite the heavy criticism often aimed at match officials, Ashley’s achievement is a timely reminder of the contribution referees make to the success and popularity of the game.
“Ashley is one of the best match officials in the game’s history, and now he is the game’s most capped referee. On behalf of the game, I congratulate him on this achievement.”
Klein has refereed 32 Finals matches and three Grand Finals (2018, 2022 and 2024) throughout his officiating career. On top of his 443 matches as a Premiership on-field match official, he has also refereed 23 State of Origins, and 31 internationals, including two Rugby League World Cup Finals (2008 and 2022).
Klein has been awarded three Col Pearce Medals (2022, 2023 and 2024), for the NRL Referee of the Year.
Additionally, Klein’s career extends to 394 NRL matches, six State of Origins and 16 internationals in the NRL Bunker.
