With a surname like Klein it’s easy to work out who one of the mentors might be for NSWRL Junior Referee of the Year Ethan Klein, but he has a close relationship with another famous name – Badger.
“Dad (Ashley Klein) obviously but when I was growing up Ian Parnaby (Parramatta district) was probably that in a sense too,” Klein said.
“He helped develop my game at a younger age.
“Two other mentors I’ve been lucky enough to have is Gavin and Kasey Badger. They’ve been around the game quite a while and have been more than willing to listen and help me learn.
“I value their friendship so much. Rugby League isn’t forever but it’s those friendships you make that are everlasting.”
Ethan, 22, is on the trajectory for a lengthy refereeing career and already has picked up an award recognising that potential.
He was named NSWRL Junior Referee of the Year at the Brad Fittler Medal dinner joining Cameron Paddy as Senior Referee winner.
Paddy (Cronulla district) has been refereeing in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup and earlier this year made his NRL debut on the sideline.
Ethan was graded into the NSWRL’s Referees High Performance squad in April this year. He handled the SG Ball Grand Final between Penrith and the Roosters. He was also in the middle for the Country v City Under 18s championship.
He started refereeing in the junior ranks when he was his 13, which makes 2022 his 10th season.
He is proud of his father Ashely’s status in officiating – he handled all three Ampol State of Origin games this year – but doesn’t think the Klein surname brings any advantage.
“I’m proud of it obviously but I don’t think it helps me in terms of moving up the ranks,” Ethan said.
“I also don’t think it hinders me because it’s so good to have him (father) just for my own knowledge and experiences because he’s been there, done that – 500 games is hard to beat.
“So, it benefits my own learning to have him nearby.”
Often fathers and sons in the game don’t talk a lot of football at home.
“Initially we sort of stayed away from footy conversations,” Ethan said.
“But as I’ve started to move up (through grades) it’s more me wanting to ask him and try to find out what happens to be where he is.”
The attraction of becoming an official flows from wanting a connection with the game.
“You’re up so close and personal and all referees are lovers of Rugby League,” Ethan said.
“You get such a good knowledge of the game through your training so you want to put that into action.
“We’re not fans with whistles that’s for sure. We don’t want to be out there blowing penalties.
“We want to see free-flowing entertaining football.
“I have the best seat in the house for that – I just have a whistle in my hand.”
Klein also wants to follow his father’s path and make his way into the NRL ranks.
“I’ll keep going until my knees give out,” he said.
“I just want to get better and better – every referee’s goal is to make to the NRL then to World Cups, Grand Finals, State of Origins.
“It’s not just my goal. It’s every young referee’s goal to be a part of the pinnacle of our sport.”
