BY CURTIS WOODWARD

@woodward_curtis

The National Rugby League and its head of elite competitions Graham Annesley is under fire for rubbing one of the game’s elite referees out of the 2024 finals for a supposed ‘lack of form’ despite the NRL allocating him to some of the biggest games on the run to the finals.

Twelve months ago, Adam Gee was in charge of one of the greatest grand finals of all-time when Nathan Cleary’s Penrith Panthers came from the clouds to down the Brisbane Broncos and claim a historic third-straight crown at Accor Stadium.

Some of the credit goes to Gee who let the game flow and didn’t get between the mighty Panthers and the scintillating Broncos – in the form of their lives.

Such was Gee’s work in the grand final – he was awarded with a trip to Las Vegas for the history-making round one double header before working in the bunker for the Melbourne versus Penrith clash.

In the week leading into this year’s finals series, the NRL raised many eyebrows when they confirmed officials for week one of the playoffs which did not include Gee.

“We only have four games this week, and match officials have been selected on form,” Annesley said when pressed prior to week one of the playoffs.

“Todd (Smith) has earned his spot based on really solid performances throughout the season.

“We are fortunate to now have more referees capable of controlling finals than we have games available.

“Competition for positions inevitably drives improved performance and consistency.”

Premiership-winner and host of NRL360 Braith Anasta called it “mind blogging” on an episode last week.

On the same night, Gorden Tallis compared Gee to the legendary Bill Harrigan.

“He’s a free-flowing referee,” the former Kangaroos skipper said.

“He’s the closest I’ve seen to Bill Harrigan.”

A source has told the81stminute.com, who is close enough to understand the politics and complexities of the situation believes heavies at the NRL would “prefer a certain style in big games.”

“They don’t want Adam because he’s doing too good a job,” the source said.

“He’s the best for the job but they don’t want that.

“They (NRL) want someone that can manage the contest up and down the field.

“It’s a scandal.”

Daily Telegraph sports editor Phil Rothfield recently posted on X.

“I’m told the ref’s boss Jarryd Maxwell has a ratings system he uses all year.

I’m told the refs boss Jarryd Maxwell has a ratings system he uses all year.
And that Adam Gee is ranked SEVENTH
Not sure what games he’s been watching.
It’s a disgrace. https://t.co/AjN4MnXsAF

— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) September 18, 2024

“And that Adam Gee is ranked SEVENTH. Not sure what games he’s been watching.

“It’s a disgrace.”

Despite Annesley’s stunning statement that Gee missed out on finals selection due to form, the NRL awarded Gee some of the biggest fixtures in the final two months of the season, either as the main referee or the bunker official, which flies in the face of Annesley’s comments that Gee wasn’t good enough to score a spot – anywhere – in finals week one.

From rounds 20 to 27 – Gee was the main on-field official in most of the best fixtures headed toward September footy.

"An investigation and phone calls have to be made.

"Unless we aren't seeing things that the @NRL are, I just have no idea." @DaveRic1 on Adam Gee being snubbed for Week 1 of the NRL Finals.

Has the NRL made a mistake? #NRL @SENLeague pic.twitter.com/HhEualkNB9

— Vossy & Brandy SEN 1170AM Sydney (@VossyBrandySEN) September 10, 2024

Gee was only assigned to one match in the last eight weeks, in that given round, where both sides were not a legitimate chance of playing finals.

That match was the Sydney derby in round 27 between old foes – the Roosters and the Rabbitohs.

Gee’s appointments from the NRL in last two months:

Round 20: Panthers vs Dolphins
Round 21: Cowboys vs Sharks
Round 22: Panthers vs Knights
Round 23: Titans vs Sharks
Round 24: Bulldogs vs Dolphins
Round 25: Raiders vs Panthers
Round 26: Cowboys vs Storm
Round 27: Roosters vs Rabbitohs

When officials were named for week one of the finals, several on-field referees were also given secondary matches during the weekend as Bunker officials including Ash Klein and Grant Atkins.

Gee was nowhere to be seen.

This weekend, Klein and Atkins have been awarded the on-field roles in the respective elimination finals at Allianz Stadium.

Chris Butler will work from the bunker in the game between the Tri-Colours and the Sea Eagles.

Incredibly, the NRL ignored Gee in the match between Cronulla and the Cowboys with the “senior review official” going to 2024 rookie Wyatt Raymond who has refereed 12 NRL games this season across the NRL and NRLW.

@woodward_curtis