Rugby League

Axed ref Klein set for bunker role after Warriors error

By George Clarke

Sep 22, 2026

Ashley Klein will remain involved in key decision making in the NRL's preliminary finals after his costly blunder in the Warriors' loss to Newcastle.

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The experienced referee is set to be the bunker official in Friday's Dolphins-Sydney Roosters clash at Suncorp Stadium after he was axed from on-field duties following the Knights' last-gasp 12-10 win in Auckland.

A veteran of 700 games at Test, NRL, State of Origin and Super League level, Klein was a strong contender to officiate this year's grand final before he missed a crucial call in Sunday's clash at Eden Park.

NRL officials confirmed on Monday that Klein failed to penalise Knights forward Tyson Frizell for an escort in the closing stages of that nailbiting semi-final.

The Warriors would have had an easy chance to kick a penalty to send the game to golden point had Klein not missed the infringement.

Klein was pelted with projectiles as he exited the field. NRL boss Peter V'landys and the referees' union Professional Rugby League Match Officials (PRLMO) condemned his treatment.

The 47-year-old Klein will be the video review official for on-field referee Adam Gee, who oversaw the Roosters' semi-final win against the Sharks and appears to be in a two-horse race to officiate the grand final.

Gerard Sutton will take charge of the other preliminary final between Penrith and Newcastle on Sunday.

Sutton last refereed a grand final in 2021 while Gee was the man in the middle in 2023.