Fien was born in Australia and played in the State of Origin

New Zealand lost the two points won in their Tri-Nations opener against Great Britain after it emerged that hooker Fien was ineligible for the Kiwis.

Bennett said: "There has to be a scapegoat, and I've put my hand up.

"I was the one who ordered the birth certificate to be sent to the Australians, I was the one who verified it. They've got their scalp."

The NZRL board confirmed Andrew Chalmers has been appointed acting chairman until elections take place at their next annual general meeting.

Chalmers said: "Selwyn has acknowledged that he was solely responsible for the decision to rule Fien eligible, and the NZRL board has accepted his resignation."

The NZRL had apologised for the error, which also led to Fien being banned from playing for the Kiwis.

They (NZRL) have shown that they're incompetent Kiwi selector Darrell Williams

It was revealed his only genetic connection to New Zealand was that his great-grandmother was born in Wanganui.

But Bennett was unrepentant about the initial decision to pick Fien.

He said: "In hindsight I would probably make the same decision.

"I still believe I was right in what I did. I have no problem with great grandmothers or grandmothers, call them what you like."

Kiwi selector Darrell Williams had already hit out at the NZRL.

He said: "They've shown that they're incompetent and it doesn't make me happy. I put the blame fairly and squarely on New Zealand Rugby League."