League: England coach questions referee choice

England coach Steve McNamara says the system for choosing referees for the Four Nations final needs to be addressed. Photo / Getty Images

England coach Steve McNamara says the system for choosing referees for the Four Nations final needs to be addressed, but insists he has no problem with Australian Matt Cecchin being in charge of Saturday's decider against the Kangaroos.

NRL whistleblower Cecchin was chosen ahead of England's Phil Bentham and New Zealand's Henry Perenara to officiate the final at Elland Road.

Cecchin took charge of England's victory over New Zealand at Hull on Saturday and was praised for the manner in which he controlled a spiteful encounter.

"I think Matt Cecchin is a very good referee and has been given this job for this game,'' said McNamara from England's training base on Wednesday.

"It's probably an issue that needs to be looked at after the tournament but we are happy with Matt refereeing.

"I am sure Tim (Sheens) will be happy as well.''

Cecchin was voted to take control of the final by a committee consisting of representatives from England and New Zealand and McNamara expressed surprise the Kiwis did not back Perenara for the match.

He also claimed Bentham's Super League experience, where only one referee is used, made him the best qualified candidate.

"Phil Bentham is the only one used to refereeing to the rules we are applying on Saturday so he had a case for the game,'' he said.

"Probably the whole process of referees for these tournaments needs to be looked at.

"Other sports would find it very strange to have a final with a referee from one of the country's competing.

"But this is nothing against Matt. He's a very strong ref and we're looking forward to a good final that will be refereed well.''

- AAP