It wouldn't be NRL grand final week without some sort of controversy, and this year it has come in the form of referee appointments.
The NRL has announced that Ashley Klein will referee this year's biggest game, completing the near-complete snub of veteran Adam Gee from this year's finals series, just a year after he was handed the keys to the 2023 grand final.
One legend of the game has criticised this decision, and has claimed that Gee's lack of inclusion could possibly see issues in deciding the title.
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Cameron Smith questions grand final ref snub
Having won three premierships and scored the most grand final points ever, Cameron Smith knows a thing or two about title-deciding games.
On SEN, the Melbourne Storm legend questioned Gee's non-inclusion in the 2024 finals, and said he was worried about the possible implications.
"Goodness me. I hope [a referee call doesn't decide the game], Smith said.
"I hope that doesn't happen, I really hope the players decide this one, and no official ruling does.
"You just don't want it in these games.
"I don't know why Adam Gee is not having some part in this finals series. He refereed the grand final last year and was praised for it.
"If he is not refereeing the grand final out on the ground, why not have him in the Bunker? I don't get it."
Melbourne play Penrith on Sunday to decide the 2024 NRL premiership.
