Ward axed after weekend

Video referee Chris Ward has been axed from first grade by referees boss Robert Finch after his controversial handling of the South Sydney-Canberra game at the weekend.

South Sydney coach Paul Langmack lodged an official complaint with the National Rugby League following Ward's performance on Saturday night at Aussie Stadium, where the Raiders beat Souths 34-12.

Two decisions in particular outraged South Sydney officials and the league this afternoon reacted by dumping the experienced video referee. Finch says he also had concerns with two incidents and admitted Ward had got them wrong.