Four Nations: Australian referee Gerard Sutton to take charge of Kangaroos' clash with England

Gerard Sutton: Will be in charge of Australia's clash v England

England were outvoted over the appointment of Gerard Sutton for Sunday's crucial Four Nations clash against Australia in Melbourne.

Australian referee Sutton was put in charge of the Kangaroos’ must-win round two game against England after four hours of debate between the match officials and directors of all three major countries was finally resolved by a show of hands.

New Zealand referee Henry Perenara was the logical choice to take charge of the contest.

But Jon Sharp, the Rugby Football League's match officials director, said the tournament is not based on neutral appointments and instead follows on from the philosophy set in latter stages of the 2013 World Cup - going with the best man for the job.

"The appointment of Gerry Sutton was made following four hours of debate and it finally came down to being outvoted," Sharp said.

Perenara will be in charge of the Kiwis' clash with Samoa in Wharangei on Saturday, with England's Phil Bentham inactive.