In a surprise move, last year's grand final referee Adam Gee has not been appointed to a match in the upcoming slate of opening week NRL finals.
Ashley Klein – fresh off officiating this year's State of Origin series – will oversee the qualifying final between the Panthers and Roosters on Friday night.
On Saturday, Gerrard Sutton has been appointed to the Storm vs. Sharks clash in Melbourne.
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Todd Smith, meanwhile, will take charge of his first NRL post-season game when he officiates the Cowboys vs. Knights elimination final.
The other do-or-die battle between the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles will have Grant Atkins in the middle.
NRL referee appointments: Finals Week 1
| Match | Referee | Touch Judges | Bunker Official |
| Panthers vs. Roosters | Ashley Klein | Liam Kennedy, Chris Sutton | Grant Atkins |
| Storm vs. Sharks | Gerard Sutton | Michael Wise, David Munro | Chris Butler |
| Cowboys vs. Knights | Todd Smith | Drew Oultram, Jarrod Cole | Wyatt Raymond |
| Bulldogs vs. Sea Eagles | Grant Atkins | Matt Noyen, Phil Henderson | Ashley Klein |
