NRL 2023 grand final referees: Ashley Klein and Gerard Sutton snubbed for Adam Gee

Brisbane’s worst statistical referee will make his grand final debut after the NRL overlooked veteran referees Ashley Klein and Gerard Sutton.

Referee Gerard Sutton. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

No Klein, no Sutton – that’s no gee-up.

The NRL has pushed aside veteran referees Ashley Klein and Gerard Sutton and awarded Sunday’s grand final between Penrith and Brisbane to Adam Gee.

It will be Gee’s first grand final.

Gee was efficient and competent adjudicating last Friday’s night preliminary final between the Panthers and Storm, a performance which secured him the top job.

He was essentially the last man standing after Klein and Sutton each oversaw significant blunders during the finals.

Klein missed a blatant knock-on while Sutton failed to pick up a horrendous forward pass last weekend.

Chris Sutton and David Munro have been named touch judges for the decider with Klein the bunker official.

Ashley Klein will officiate from the Bunker. Picture: NRL Images

Gerard Sutton was overlooked completely. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty

The appointment of Gee will have alarm bells ringing for Brisbane who own a shocking record under the whistleblower.

Fox Sports Stats show since 2020 the Broncos have only won 31.3 per cent of their games under Gee (5 wins in 16 games), compared to Sutton who they have one of the best winning percentages playing under.

In that same period the Broncos have won 61.5 per cent of their games under Sutton (8 wins from 13 games), and 50 per cent under Klein.

On the flip side the Panthers have a tremendous record under every referee, but Gee is one of their standout favourites.

The Panthers’ record in the last three years under Gee is 91.4 per cent (16 wins from 17 games), compared to Sutton who they have their absolute worst record under.

That is 70.8 per cent (17 wins from 24 games).

The Broncos don’t have a great record under Adam Gee.

Belinda Sharpe has been appointed to control the NRLW grand final between Newcastle and Gold Coast with Rochelle Tamarua and Mitch Currie her touch judges.

Kasey Badger will be the NRLW bunker official.

Klein refereed last year’s grand final between Penrith and Parramatta. Referee Grant Atkins was also in the discussions.

Sutton and Klein have been the dominant referees over the past decade.

“Adam thoroughly deserves his appointment to the grand final,” said NRL executive general manager – Elite Competitions, Graham Annesley.

“He has been a standout match official this season and has been incredibly consistent in 2023.

“Adam has refereed 236 matches, and his calm demeanour and strong work ethic are testament to that experience.

The Broncos have a poor record under Adam Gee. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

“We’re in the fortunate position to have a number of referees who have the ability to officiate the grand final but it’s a competitive process and Adam is the best referee for the job based on performances this year and throughout the Finals Series.”

NRL general manager elite officiating Jared Maxwell praised the appointments.

“All of our match officials should be congratulated for their strong performances over the course of the season,” Maxwell said.

“The match officials work very diligently through a season and this privilege is a reward for all the hard work and dedication.”

Originally published as NRL 2023 grand final referees: Ashley Klein and Gerard Sutton snubbed for Adam Gee