Gerard Sutton to referee his fifth straight Grand Final

Referee Gerard Sutton. Photo: NRL Photos.
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Experienced whistleblower Gerard Sutton will referee the Premiership decider between Penrith and Souths on Sunday night.

David Munro and Todd Smith will be touch judges for the Grand Final, while Grant Atkins will be the Bunker Review Official.

NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley said Sutton had earned his appointment through his consistent performances across the entire season.

“Gerard has enormous experience in the biggest matches in recent years and deserves to referee in the Grand Final,” Mr Annesley said.

“This will be his seventh Grand Final – and his fifth in a row – which is a phenomenal achievement.

“Gerard refereed all three of the Ampol State of Origin matches this year – and now has 22 interstate matches to his name – and that sort of big-match experience is invaluable.

“I also want to acknowledge every single match official who made sacrifices to relocate to Queensland this year in order to ensure the continuation of the Premiership.

“This has clearly been a season to remember – but it’s important to acknowledge there wouldn’t have been a season without the match officials.”

Ashley Klein is the Standby referee.


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