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Parker: Why Ashley Klein cannot ref NRL Grand Final
SEN • September 22nd, 2025 10:49 am
Plenty has been written about Ashley Klein’s decision making this NRL season and now Corey Parker has called for the official to be dropped for the Grand Final.
The 46-year-old polarises NRL fans and experts alike, but despite some questionable decisions – some of which have been flagged by the NRL – Klein remains in contention for the Grand Final gig in a fortnight and will take charge of one prelim this weekend.
Just last week, the NRL conceded that Klein had made an incorrect call on Reece Walsh’s headbutt on Hudson Young. Both were sent to the sin bin for the incident with Brisbane awarded an on-field penalty.
And just yesterday, commentator Andrew Johns was left flabbergasted by a “ridiculous and outrageous” penalty decision from Klein during Canterbury's semi-final against Penrith.
“It would be interesting to see who gets the refereeing gig for the Grand Final,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.
“Klein is definitely one of them. We will find out the refs for the prelims soon.
“Klein, you can provide an argument to suggest he shouldn’t be referee.
“I think some of his decisions have not been where they need to be. If we’re picking pepper out of fly s--t for who is gonna be referee (for the Grand Final), I don’t think he’s in front, that’s all.”
Adam Gee is likely to take the second prelim match this weekend.
Storm host the Sharks on Friday night while the Panthers travel to Suncorp to take on the Broncos on Sunday.
