The problem with this though is that there are probably far too few people wanting to be an RL referee in England or Australia, never mind outside of those.

And to have a referee up to the required standard for a World Cup Final, they would need to be working in the top leagues around the world - and where are the top leagues? England and Australia.

So unless there is ever a time when neither of these two teams are in a final, we are always going to struggle to get the calibre of ref required that isn't from one of these countries.

The most ridiculous thing about that is the suggestion of England football playing in a World Cup final.

Is it not also conceivable that a non-neutral referee, for the sake of his reputation on a 50/50 or close) call, could err in favour of the team that he is least perceived to have allegiance to?

That aside, think that Phil B is right out of the top drawer and can't recall too many favours being doled out to Leigh, nor should they be expected But we're speaking of an Aussie reffing Oz.

Anyone recall the story of Athers declining to "walk" in a Test Match down under? Accused of being a f***ing cheatin' ****, his reply (in that nasal Manc accent of his) was said to be "When in Rome, dear boy, when in Rome......"

What's happened to the Welsh referee James Jones?
Is he still on the scene?
Not that he's very high up, but if he's still about, he should be encouraged to set his sights as high as he can.

Gave up on it after this season.

I think this year's competition proved that "home" referees are very competent and capable of officiating regardless of who's playing (as do cricket umpires).