Salty Kiwi league fans accuse referee of BIAS after losing to Australia in World Cup semi-final

Salty New Zealand fans have accused Australian referee Ashley Klein of being biased following their 16-14 defeat to the Kangaroos at the Rugby League World Cup.

In what was an epic semi-final in Leeds at Elland Road, the Kangaroos advanced to the final against either England or Samoa thanks to a second half try from Cameron Murray.

The lead changed hands six times in the high quality encounter, with Kiwi supporters adamant Klein favoured Mal Meninga’s side in the big moments.

Plenty of frustrated fans took to social media to voice their frustration at Klein, who denied North Queensland Cowboys centre Peta Hiku two tries.

Speaking in commentary, veteran caller Andrew Voss said he ‘wasn’t convinced’ after a video official ruling that Jordan Rapana was off-side from a Jahrome Hughes kick.

Salty New Zealand fans have accused referee Ashley Klein of being biased following their 16-14 defeat to Australia in the semi-final of the Rugby League World Cup

When Klein didn’t penalise Kangaroos players Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Liam Martin for shoulder charges, Kiwi fans felt they were getting ripped off yet again.

Shattered New Zealand coach Michael Maguire knew his team had blown a chance to return home as world champions.

‘That was one hell of a game and it was one bounce of a ball,’ he said at fulltime.

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‘That’s what a Test match is all about. Opportunities like those are few and far between against a team of this class. If you don’t take them, you will be punished.’

His opposite Meninga knew his team had dodged a bullet.

‘That was Test match rugby league. New Zealand threw everything but the kitchen sink at us. It was a great advertisement for the game,’ he said.

‘That’s what playing for your country produces – games where you’ve got to find that little bit extra in the way you play, or in your effort levels to get that victory.’

Winger Jordan Rapana was a dejected figure at fulltime after the Kangaroos won a classic encounter

Joey Manu was unable to engineer a win for the Kiwis against arch-rivals Australia at Elland Road in Leeds in a World Cup classic

In form winger Josh Addo-Carr scored a stunning try to draw Australia level in the first half 

Josh Addo-Carr’s brilliant first half try from a Ben Hunt kick won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Showing blinding pace, the Bulldogs winger scored his 12th try of the tournament in scintillating fashion.

Voss playfully declared ‘I don’t know what speed he was doing, but I know I’d have to be in a car to be as fast.’

England and Samoa square off in the second semi-final at The Emirates Stadium in London from 1.30am on Sunday (AEDT). 

The hosts will fancy their chances, after thumping Matt Parish’s men 60-6 in the group stages on October 16.