LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In exciting news from the NRL, the referees for the grand final day have been officially announced.
Ashley Klein, a seasoned ref with experience in two previous grand finals, has been given the nod for the big game this year after missing out last season.
It seems the powers that be had their eyes on him from the get-go, as early as the first week of the finals when Adam Gee was benched.
Despite the uproar and clamoring for Gee's return, Klein emerged victorious in the battle to officiate the men's showdown between the Penrith Panthers and the Melbourne Storm.
Joining Klein on the field will be Grant Atkins, who has been keeping a watchful eye during the semi-final and preliminary finals, while Dave Munro and Chris Sutton will be running the sidelines as touch judges.
In other referee appointments, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski has been given the honor of officiating the NRLW decider, with Kasey Badger in the bunker for support, and Liam Kennedy set to take charge of the State Challenge.
It's shaping up to be a thrilling day of rugby league action, with the stakes high and the pressure on.
As the teams prepare to do battle, the referees will play a crucial role in ensuring a fair and smooth contest.
With Klein at the helm, fans can expect a top-notch display of officiating on grand final day.