Andrew Johns was shocked by the NRL’s determination to demote referee Adam Gee for this weekend’s finals, with the grand last whistle-blower a shock omission.
Gee officiated the 2023 grand last between Penrith and Brisbane however was not given a recreation to manage on the opening week of the finals with Ashley Klein, Gerard Sutton, Todd Smith and Grant Atkins most popular.
Gee, who was not named within the NRL Bunker for any of the clashes both, has been chosen to be the standby referee for Penrith v Roosters in addition to Saturday’s Cowboys v Knights conflict in Townsville.
READ MORE: ‘Arnie out’: Coach shocked by inexplicable Socceroos outcome
READ MORE: ‘Bullies’ uncovered as huge cash ahead known as out
READ MORE: Twist in Addo-Carr case as star seeks reinstatement
“Very stunned,” Johns stated of the NRL’s determination on Vast World of Sports activities’ Immortal Behaviour.
“Final yr’s grand last was top-of-the-line officiated for a very long time in an enormous recreation. He stayed out of it and put his whistle away and it confirmed.
“It was top-of-the-line grand finals. I used to be actually stunned and I believe everybody is actually stunned, however they’ve their causes.”
Chatting with reporters concerning Gee’s non-appointment, NRL head of soccer Graham Annesley stated the choice was based mostly on performances throughout the season.
Api Koroisau sin binned by referee Adam Gee. 9
“We solely have 4 video games this week, and match officers have been chosen on kind,” he stated.
“Todd has earned his spot based mostly on actually strong performances all through the season.
“We’re lucky to now have extra referees able to controlling finals than we now have video games out there.
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership dwell and free on 9 and 9Now.
“Competitors for positions inevitably drives improved efficiency and consistency.”
Annesley didn’t rule out naming Gee for the rest of the NRL finals sequence, after he officiated video games each week throughout final yr’s sequence in addition to the eventual decider, which Penrith snatched within the last seconds.
