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NRL responds after 'mind-boggling' call to axe grand final referee Adam Gee sparks backlash

The decision has sparked controversy after Gee wasn't picked for the first week of finals.

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read

NRL head of football Graham Annesley has explained the decision to sideline leading referee Adam Gee for the first week of the finals, a decision which has sparked confusion and controversy. Gee was the main referee for last year's grand final between the Panthers and Broncos, and won widespread praise for the way he let the game flow.

However Gee has fallen out of favour in 2024, and wasn't chosen to referee any of the three State of Origin games, with Ashley Klein getting that honour. While Gee appeared to be the game's top referee at the end of 2023, he isn't even in the top four 12 months later.

Adam Gee, pictured here alongside fellow NRL referees.
Adam Gee isn't one of the four referees chosen to officiate the four finals games this weekend. Image: Getty

The NRL has appointed Klein, Gerard Sutton, Todd Smith and Grant Atkins to control the four finals games this weekend, with Gee left on the bench. Responding to the backlash on Wednesday, Annesley revealed the decision came down to Gee's form compared to the other four whistle-blowers.

"We only have four games this week, and match officials have been selected on form," the NRL's head of football said. "Todd has earned his spot based on really solid performances throughout the season. We are fortunate to now have more referees capable of controlling finals than we have games available. Competition for positions inevitably drives improved performance and consistency".

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Gee also won't be in the Bunker this weekend, but will serve as a back-up in case there's an injury in the Panthers and Roosters clash on Friday night. Klein will officiate that match between the second and third-placed teams, while Sutton will control the Storm and Sharks clash. Smith has been given the Cowboys and Knights game, while Atkins will referee the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles.

Adam Gee, pictured here in the 2023 grand final.
Adam Gee in the 2023 grand final between the Panthers and Broncos. (AAP Image/James Gourley)

Discussing the call to sideline Gee this weekend, the NRL 360 panel were left gobsmacked on Tuesday night. "Adam Gee has been dumped from week one of the finals. Now Adam Gee refereed the grand final, as most of us would remember, in one of the best performances by a referee I would say ever (or) at least in the last decade,” Braith Anasta said.

“It was handled brilliantly by him. And full of praise by the rugby league world and then all of a sudden, a year later, he’s not even refereeing week one of the finals.”

Gee controlled the Manly and Cronulla game last weekend, and Gorden Tallis said he did a good job. “It wasn’t won by the referee,” Tallis said. “He’s a free-flowing referee. He’s the closest I’ve seen to Bill Harrigan. Yeah they all make mistakes, everybody makes mistakes, (but) I’m surprised that he’s not in the best four referees in the game.”

Anasta added: “Has the game changed that much over 12 months that he doesn’t suit the style they (want)? It’s mind-boggling and we don’t have the answers here.” Journalist Paul Crawley declared: “It’s akin to Harrigan in his prime getting dropped for the finals.”

On social media, Phil Rothfield wrote: "Cannot believe referee Adam Gee has been dumped from finals. Someone doesn’t like him. Axed from bunker for 7 weeks earlier in the year. Shocking decision on the man who was so outstanding in last year’s GF."