Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow and two ex-Super League officials impressed by World Cup semi-final especially one performance in particular

Last night’s brilliant semi-final between Australia and New Zealand at Elland Road earnt great reviews both in and outside the sport of rugby league as it climbed to number 1 on the trending page on Twitter.

It was a brilliant contest with great tries from Jahrome Hughes, Josh Addo-Carr, Val Holmes, Dylan Brown and the match winner from Cameron Murray as well as two close calls for Peta Hiku as the Kiwis were left devastated by a 16-14 win which again sees Australia take to a World Cup Final.

Rob Burrow, the Leeds Rhinos legend who played in the 2008 and 2013 World Cup semi-finals was very impressed by the game taking to Twitter to question how the sport isn’t bigger and more beloved than it is:

“How is our rugby league not the biggest sport. What a game.”

How is our rugby league not the biggest sport. What a game

— Rob Burrow CBE (@Rob7Burrow) November 11, 2022

Meanwhile, former Super League referee Richard Silverwood was particularly impressed by the officiating from fellow former Super League official Ashley Klein who let the game breath.

He also questioned why we don’t have that in Super League: “I watch that game tonight and from a referees point of view that is exactly how it should be refereed. I then think why do we end up with over officiated games in SL. It’s how they are reviewed and coached in my opinion. Let the games flow, pick out the majors.”

I watch that game tonight and from a referees point of view that is exactly how it should be refereed. I then think why do we end up with over officiated games in SL. It's how they are reviewed and coached in my opinion. Let the games flow, pick out the majors.

— Richard Silverwood (@SilversRef) November 11, 2022

Silverwood also believes Josh Addo-Carr is a shoe in for the Golden Boot after his world class try which equalled the record for tries in a World Cup.

He wasn’t the only referee who had something to say with Ian Smith describing Klein as the Man of the Match: “MOM Ashley Klein.”

Smith also defended the decision to award Holmes’ try despite a suspicion that the tackle on Jack Wighton may have been complete and he praised the “smart officiating” to let the game unfold.