'Unfair on him': Origin coaches back ref after gambling history revealed

Billy Slater and Laurie Daley both jumped to the defence of referee Ashley Klein after his gambling history was made public. Klein reportedly lost close to $400,000, with the veteran referee confirming he previously had a problem with horse and greyhound gambling. What's next? Klein will be referee for tonight's State of Origin clash at the MCG from 8:05pm. 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." "I received help to deal with the problem and closed all associated betting accounts. This was a difficult period of my life but one which did not in any way influence my job as a match official," Klein said. He was cleared of any wrongdoing by the NRL. Blues mentor Daley said he agreed with Slater's view it wouldn't impact Klein's ability to do his job at the MCG on Wednesday night. "It's challenging when things like that get brought up and I hope Ashley has got the right support and people around him, to help navigate the period," Daley said. "We've got no issues with Ashley being part of the game." ABC Sport will be live blogging all the action from Origin II. Join the team at abc.net.au/news/sport The ABC of SPORT Sports content to make you think... or allow you not to. A newsletter delivered each Saturday. [Image text:] 4740 CHRY-EVY ORE you KUSWIDE DANK