Australia have refused a neutral referee for their clash against England in Saturday's Four Nations game.

English referee Steve Ganson will now take charge of the game at the David Whelan Stadium in Wigan.

Australia were given the option of New Zealander Leon Williamson or Frenchman Thierry Alibert but refused after claiming they were not full-time refs.

Ganson officiated Australia's 20-20 draw with New Zealand on Saturday in their opening Four Nations game.

Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens was unhappy with Ganson's performance in that game saying: "Hopefully, we'll understand him a little better next week."

Alibert is, in fact, in his second season as a full-time Super League referee, and both men took charge of Test matches at last year's World Cup.

England won their opener beating France 34-12 at the Keepmoat Stadium on Thursday.


bbc.co.uk