The latest instalment of Netflix's global phenomenon, Stranger Things, has not only captivated its core audience but has also scored an unexpected try with fans of Australia's National Rugby League (NRL). The reason? A hilarious and seemingly unintentional name-drop of one of the sport's most recognised referees.
The Viral Moment That Connected Hawkins to the NRL
In the climactic fourth episode of Stranger Things Season Five, Volume One, a tense scene unfolds as character Derek Turnbow, played by Jake Connelly, attempts to help children escape a military base. His plan is foiled when a child named Ashley witnesses him, along with Lucas Sinclair and Will Byers, and reports them to authorities.
As chaos erupts, Derek is heard yelling in frustration, 'Ashley Klein is a snitch!' before slamming a door. This fleeting line, referencing the full name of the character Ashley, has sent NRL supporters into a social media frenzy, drawing a direct link to veteran official Ashley Klein, who has presided over more than 400 top-level rugby league games.
Social Media Erupts with Footy Fan Reactions
The niche reference was quickly spotted and shared by fans, with popular creator Winston Neville posting the clip captioned 'NRL mentioned in Stranger Things'. The reaction on platforms like TikTok was immediate and amused.
'I was watching this and I rewound it to make sure I heard it properly and when I did I started cracking up laughing,' one viewer commented. Others echoed the sentiment, with posts like 'As soon as that was mentioned i thought the same thing ahaha' and 'Thank god I wasn’t the only one that noticed this.' The moment provided a unique crossover where pop culture and sports fandom collided.
A History of Unexpected Rugby League Cameos
This is not the first time Australian rugby league has found itself in an unlikely global spotlight. In 2022, Korean pop star Haewon perplexed fans by wearing a Queensland State of Origin jersey during a concert.
Furthermore, the Sydney Roosters have been subtly immortalised in Hollywood by filmmaker Josh Brandon, who has named characters after club owner Nick Politis and worked references to players like Mitchell Pearce and Boyd Cordner into TV shows such as Houdini & Doyle and Haven. Even the iconic Kangaroos jersey made a baffling appearance in the 1985 Rob Reiner film The Sure Thing, worn by John Cusack.
While the Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, are unlikely to be avid NRL fans, this accidental homage has cemented the show's place in rugby league meme history. Fans can catch the conclusion of the story when Part Two of the final season hits Netflix on Christmas Day.
