Rugby league Origin coaches Billy Slater and Laurie Daley publicly support referee Ashley Klein after his past gambling debts were reported earlier in the week. Across multiple outlets, both coaches respond to concerns raised about Klein’s suitability to officiate following the revelations. The reporting says Slater and Daley move to reduce criticism of Klein, arguing that it is unfair to judge his role as a match official based on the earlier gambling-related history now in the public domain. The articles note that the comments come amid heightened attention on referee appointments and officiating standards ahead of Origin fixtures. While the coverage focuses on the coaches’ defense of Klein, it also reflects that the controversy centers on what was disclosed about his gambling debt history and how that should be weighed in the context of his current duties as a referee. No sources cited here indicate that Klein has stepped aside or that officials are taking disciplinary action; the emphasis remains on the coaches’ backing and the dispute over whether the revelations affect his officiating.