Did Ashley Klein Retire?

Ashley Klein is an English-born Australian rugby league referee who officiates in the National Rugby League (NRL). Born on April 7, 1979, Klein began his career in the UK before moving to Australia to join the NRL. He has established himself as one of the most experienced referees in the game, officiating in multiple World Cup Finals, NRL Grand Finals, and State of Origin matches. In September 2024, he became only the second referee in history to officiate 400 NRL matches, joining Bill Harrigan in this exclusive club. Despite suffering a potentially career-ending Achilles injury in 2020, Klein made a successful return to the field and continues to referee at the highest level. While respected for his experience and knowledge of the game, he has occasionally been at the center of controversy, particularly during high-stakes matches like State of Origin.