Video: Whistling up storm ahead of the Elland Road final

Which official takes charge of the Elland Road showpiece against Australia – the Rugby Football League are expected to announce the appointment today – has taken on extra significance given the furore earlier in the tournament.

Australia coach Tim Sheens was furious about English referee Phil Bentham’s handling of their opening game with New Zealand, his public comments something an equally irate McNamara believed placed undue pressure on Kiwi official Henry Perenana, affecting his control of their fixture against the Kangaroos at Wembley the following week.

England lost that after a couple of controversial wrong calls from the rookie NRL whistle-blower and it seems unlikely, despite him being the only neutral available, that the New Zealander will be handed the task of the crucial decider amid Leeds’s cauldron atmosphere.

It would be a bold step for such an inexperienced referee – Perenana’s only two Tests have come in this tournament – so it is envisaged Bentham or Australian Matt Cecchin will be appointed, causing obvious problems.

McNamara told yesterday’s Elland Road press conference: “I don’t know who it will be and it’s not my concern as coach of England as to who should ref’ this game.

“That’s up to the authorities and I’m sure they’ll make that appointment in due course.”

Sheens was similarly phlegmatic, saying: “They’ve all refereed two games each and the process is apparently that the best referee will get it.

“That decision will be made by the officials who are running it at the moment.

“Last year, we played New Zealand and had Tony Archer do the final so I think whoever’s in the best form should get it. That’s as good a way as selecting as any.”

Given Australia lost against the Kiwis 12 months ago, Sheens’s inference is clearly that it should not matter if Australian Archer gets the nod again, although, after the stinging criticism earlier in the competition, Bentham would undoubtedly feel pressure if he was handed the role.

Of course, England will argue they could make all this discourse redundant by going out and delivering the sort of grilling performance which will leave the nationality of any referee immaterial.

In their comprehensive victory over New Zealand to reach the final, McNamara’s squad illustrated a ruthless edge previously unseen under his command and a repeat display would give the overwhelming favourites plenty of food for thought.

With Gareth Ellis expected to be fit to resume his place in the pack after missing out against the Kiwis, Sheens conceded: “They were very drilled.

“I’ve said all along they’re getting better as a squad and they’ve had pretty much the same squad for the last three games.

“Their understanding is much better, particularly among their halves. They were well-disciplined, controlled the ball well and didn’t make too many mistakes which is what it takes to win big games.

“As for Gaz, they missed him when they lost him against us as he was having a strong game at Wembley. He’s a quality player and you want to have all your people if you can.”

One quality player England will definitely call upon at Elland Road is someone revered here and in Australia.

Adrian Morley will become the most capped player in the history of British rugby league when he makes his 50th appearance in Saturday’s final.

The formidable prop, who debuted for England while still a teenager at Leeds Rhinos in 1996, will be just nine behind world-record holder Darren Lockyer, the Australian captain who will retire on 59 after the match.

“He’s 50 not out, as he keeps telling everyone,” said McNamara, about the enduring front-row who won acclaim with Sydney Roosters before returning home to secure consecutive Challenge Cups at Warrington Wolves.

“He’s got no intention yet of hanging up his boots and neither should he with the form that’s he in. It’s a tremendous achievement and he deserves all the plaudits he should get.”

Morley’s half-century includes 30 caps with Great Britain and he overtook Andy Farrell’s combined total of 45 in the recent warm-up match against France.

He went past former Castleford and Hull KR legend Roger Millward’s tally of 47 after the game against Australia and his current total of 49 has him level with Garry Schofield and Mick Sullivan, who as well as sharing the Great Britain record of 46 caps, also made three England appearances.

“He deserves everything he gets,” said England captain Jamie Peacock.

“He’s been involved in the game for a long time and been one of the best players for Great Britain over the last 15 years.

“I’m really pleased for him. It’s an amazing achievement to say nobody else has done it before in this country.”

Lockyer said: “It’s a great achievement. He’s been around for a long time and sounds like he’s going to keep going for a while yet.

“It’s testament to the person he is. He wants to do the best for his country and I know he’s well respected by all Australian players.”