Ashley Klein will referee Sunday’s NRL Grand Final between Penrith and Parramatta.
Klein and Grant Atkins refereed the Preliminary Finals last weekend with Klein ultimately getting the nod for the decider.
Phil Henderson and Drew Oultram will be the sideline officials, meaning all three on-field officials who were in charge of the Panthers versus Rabbitohs game last weekend will back-up in the big one.
Grant Atkins will be in The Bunker for the Grand Final.
Klein said his previous big game experience would help calm the nerves ahead of the season decider.
“I’m really looking forward to Sunday. I actually live in western Sydney… you can feel it in the street already, everyone’s really excited,” he said.
He added that it’ll be business as usual once the formalities of the week are over.
“After Friday when we do our last training session my focus will be on Sunday’s game,” he said.
Head of Football Graham Annesley said Klein’s big-game experience was a factor in selecting him for the Grand Final.
“Ashley has been one of our leading officials throughout 2022 and deserves to take charge of the Premiership decider,” Mr Annesley said.
“Ashley refereed all three State of Origins and has been in very good form through the Finals Series. I’d like to congratulate all officials for what they have achieved in 2022.”
NRL General Manager Elite Officiating Jared Maxwell said: “The match officials have worked hard to create an environment which allows the players to showcase their skills. All of our match officials should be congratulated for their commitment and for their consistency over the course of the season.”
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.