Ashley Klein will take charge of the NRL grand final between Melbourne and Penrith to mark his return to the top of the game in the eyes of the league.
A year after he was axed from the biggest fixture, which saw Adam Gee take over, Klein has been reinstated as the game’s leading official.
"This one means a lot," Klein said at the announcement.
"There was disappointment last year but that’s what gave me the motivation this year to perform and make it back.
NRL FINALS LATEST NEWS: NRL 2024 finals results, schedule | NRL casualty ward, latest injury news | Every NRL player retiring in 2024
"It’s exciting and grand final week is obviously different, but once kick-off happens it’s just another game of footy and it’s important to adjudicate what’s in front of me."
Grant Atkins will support the referee in the Bunker after previously taking charge of the preliminary final between the Storm and Sydney Roosters as the on-field official.
Meanwhile, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski has been appointed as the on-field ref for the NRLW grand final between the Roosters and Cronulla Sharks with Kasey Badger to accompany him in the Bunker.
NRL referee appointments: Grand final
| Match | Referee | Touch Judges | Bunker Official |
| Storm vs. Panthers | Ashley Klein | David Munro and Chris Sutton | Grant Atkins |
NRLW referee appointments: Grand final
| Match | Referee | Touch Judges | Bunker Official |
| Roosters vs. Sharks | Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski | Karra-Lee Nolan and Rochelle Tamarua | Kasey Badger |
