Referees Gerard Sutton and Jared Maxwell have been retained for State of Origin III despite overseeing several blunders on the weekend.
The NRL on Tuesday announced that head referee Sutton, assistant Ashley Klein and senior bunker official Maxwell would keep their spots for the July 10 Origin decider in Sydney.
This is despite NRL head of football Graham Annesley just 24 hours earlier admitting Sutton and Maxwell oversaw three howlers in Penrith's 19-18 win over the Warriors on Sunday.
Annesley was scathing in his appraisal of his officials across the weekend, describing the standard of refereeing as "sloppy", after crucial incorrect calls were made at Mt Smart Stadium.
Annesley said Sutton incorrectly sin-binned Panthers playmaker Jarome Luai for a professional foul on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
While Maxwell, who was in the bunker, green-lit a try to Warriors winger David Fusitu'a despite replays showing he put a hand into touch before he grounded the ball.
The NRL also admitted the Panthers' Liam Martin was allowed to return to the field from the sin-bin a minute-and-a-half early - however that was the responsibility of a sideline official.
Despite Annesley admitting the string of incorrect decisions would factor into Origin selections, both Sutton and Maxwell kept their positions.
"This is the biggest game of the year to date," Annesley said.
"We need our best and most experienced match officials in the company of the best and most experienced players.
"Both referees (Sutton and Klein) have officiated well through the series so far and they will bring consistency to the series, which will help both teams."
