Referees Gerard Sutton and Jared Maxwell have been retained for the State of Origin decider despite overseeing several blunders on the weekend

This 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.

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.

Annesley says they need their best and most experienced match officials in the company of the best and most experienced players for the Origin decider.

Sutton and Ashley Klein will be the on-field referees, while Maxwell will be in the bunker.

RUGBY LEAGUE COVERAGE POWERED BY MACHINERY HOUSE - IN A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN