Kiwi ref called up to solve Final dispute

The row over the appointment of the referee for Saturday's Gillette Four Nations final between England and Australia was settled today with the appointment of New Zealander Leon Williamson.

The selection of the 40-year-old Kiwi is effectively a compromise after the finalists failed to secure their first-choice officials.

England wanted St Helens referee Steve Ganson while the Kangaroos pressed for Australian Shayne Hayne and stalemate ensued when New Zealand chose Williamson.

The deadlock was broken after three days of talks when RFL director of match officials Stuart Cummings opted to go with the neutral referee.

Williamson has already refereed both finalists in the competition. He was in charge of England's opening game against France and Australia's match against the French in Paris.

Warrington's Phil Bentham will be the video referee and Frenchman Thierry Alibert is the reserve referee.