Aussies can't have it both ways.

Australia are unhappy with the appointment of Steve Ganson as the referee of their crucial game against England on Saturday. According to sources, ARL Chief Executive, Geoff Carr, refused to accept a neutral referee claiming both the New Zealand and French representatives (Leon Williamson and Thierry Alibert) were not full-time referees.

This left Stuart Cummings (RFL Match Officials Director) with no option but to appoint one of Steve Ganson or Australian, Shane Hayne. He eventually settled on Ganson, no doubt under the pressures of the RFL to select the English referee like Tony Archer was appointed in the corresponding fixture 12 months ago.

But this appointment left the Australian coach, Tim Sheens, in fury after Sheens was disappointed with Ganson's performance in his side's 20-all draw with New Zealand.

So to cut a long story short, the Aussies are not happy they can't have their own way and have their own man in the middle of the pitch. What amazes me is that they can throw their dummy out of the pram, knowing full well they can beat England fair and square in the first place.

This is a prime example of one of the obstacles the international game has to overcome if it is to expand and become more creditable. Neutral referees must be appointed at international level, regardless of the persistent argument that certain referees are not up to standard.

Geoff Carr's excuse doesn't even make sense to begin with, as Thierry Alibert has been officiating full time for two years in the Super League.

This issue, along with player eligibility with players supposedly swapping and changing nations, are two key issues that in the short term the RLIF must address for the international game and its post-2008 World Cup era to flourish to the best of its ability.