Rugby league fans have criticised the appointment of an Australian referee for the World Cup final between the Kangaroos and New Zealand, arguing that such a high-stakes match should be overseen by a neutral official. 

On Sunday, Australian referee Grant Atkins will officiate the final between the two sides at Suncorp Stadium, with Wyatt Raymond as video referee. 

But some fans have called for English officials to oversee the clash between the trans-Tasman rivals rather than someone with a possible vested interest.

'In a World Cup game, why is an Australian reffing the game when Australia are playing?' one fan asked.

Another supporter called for a neutral team to oversee all major officiating roles. 

'Kiwis and Kangaroos will play [the] grand final so bring in a neutral referee, linesmen and bunker from England to allow fairness in the game,' they wrote. 

Others nominated English referees, saying: 'The top ref for the Super League should get the gig. Either Chris Kendall or Liam Moore.' 

Atkins earned the appointment after overseeing New Zealand's 34-10 semi-final victory over Tonga, with News Corp reporting he has controlled 343 NRL games. 

His selection comes amid a heated argument over how matches are controlled after Australia's win against Samoa, which featured two disputed no-try decisions and Spencer Leniu's sin-binning for dissent.

Former New Zealand halfback Shaun Johnson said he didn't want to take away from Australia's showing but criticised the referees’ calls. 

'I can't help but have this frustration around how the game was officiated,' Johnson said on Sky Sport.

'I feel like [Australian referee] Adam Gee, he got calls wrong and he was confusing in some of his calls. He gave Australia the rub of the green tonight; they just got every little call and he wasn't supported by the bunker, Chris Butler, either. I feel like Samoa, they were hard done by.' 

Johnson doubled down in a social media video, saying: 'Firstly, I want to start by apologising. To absolutely nobody.' 

Johnson pushed back against suggestions he had blamed Samoa's heavy defeat entirely on the officials. He said he did not regret his comments. 

He maintained Samoa had received the rough end of several decisions while making clear Australia deserved credit for their performance.

'I stick by my comments post-game. I wholeheartedly think Samoa didn't get the rub of the green. I think Australia were unbelievable,' he said.

'I thought they played an exceptional game of footy, and it is going to make for an unbelievable grand final this week, which I'm going to be working on.'

The points of contention around the officiating began in the first half of the Australia-Samoa match when Stephen Crichton had a try disallowed after video referee Chris Butler ruled Francis Manuleleua knocked the ball into Australian full-back Reece Walsh. 

Roosters coach Trent Robinson disagreed with that interpretation during Seven's coverage.

'It's clearly a knock back,' Robinson said.

Samoa had another try denied after the break when Gee ruled Manuleleua obstructed Liam Martin, with Butler upholding the decision.

Johnson described that ruling as 'diabolical' during the broadcast.

Samoa captain Jarome Luai also questioned the officiating after the defeat, although he acknowledged his side's discipline had contributed to their problems.

'We didn't get many calls that first half, got one sent to the bin,' Luai told Triple M.

'Previous games I thought Adam Gee had been reffing really well but that was completely different tonight. I'm not saying it was his fault, it was probably discipline on our behalf.'

Samoa finished on the wrong end of a 9-4 penalty count, while Leniu's frustration resulted in a suspension that will follow him into next year's NRL season.

The Parramatta recruit accepted a two-match ban for contrary conduct after making a money gesture towards officials as he headed towards the tunnel following his sin-binning.

He will miss the Eels' opening two matches of next year's NRL season, including their Las Vegas clash with Gold Coast.