The NSWRL demanded a neutral referee for the game. As a consequence, respected British referee Billy Thompson was flown out from England to control the game. Queensland went into the game not having won a match since 1975. Before the game, QRL President McAuliffe entered the Maroons dressing room to make a personal plea to the players. He said: ""The future of the game is in your hands. We have taken this bold step. If we are beaten we cannot retreat to any other position. We must win"."