Bunker mistake costs Chris Butler grand final spot with Ashley Klein to control the decider

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has got his wish and bunker official Chris Butler has lost his spot for the NRL grand final after a howler in last week’s preliminary final.

Ashley Klein has been given the job of refereeing Sunday’s NRL grand final for the second year in a row – his third decider – with Grant Atkins controlling the bunker.

In the aftermath of his team’s preliminary final win over Cronulla, Cleary said he would have had “a lot of anxiety” if Butler kept his spot after even the NRL conceded his decision to take a try away from winger Sunia Turuva was wrong.

On Monday, NRL football boss Graham Annesley said Butler had “misjudged” his call of an obstruction but was reluctant to say it would cost him a spot in the grand final.

But it will be Atkins in the stands on Sunday for the clash between Melbourne Storm and Penrith, having teamed up with Klein during two State of Origin matches this year.

“Like players, referees work hard all year with the aim of appearing on grand final day,” Annesley said.

“On behalf of the NRL, I congratulate all of the match officials appointed and wish them all the best for Sunday.”

NRL head of referees Jared Maxwell said Klein had been “excellent in the finals series and comes with enormous experience in big games”.

“He refereed in all three State of Origins this year and has shown the required consistency and aptitude throughout 2024,” he said.

“Only very recently, Ashley celebrated his 400th game as an NRL referee. He has also refereed in 28 finals matches and 17 State of Origins. That experience will be invaluable in a premiership decider.

“Ashley is the best referee for the job based on performances this year and throughout the Finals series.”

NRL grand final match officials:

Referee: Ashley Klein

Review official: Grant Atkins

Touch judges: David Munro and Chris Sutton

Standby referee: Gerard Sutton

Standby touch judge: Phil Henderson