'Everyone is really surprised': Andrew Johns stunned by grand final referee's demotion

Andrew Johns was stunned by the NRL's decision to demote referee Adam Gee for this weekend's finals, with the grand final whistle-blower a shock omission.

Gee officiated the 2023 grand final between Penrith and Brisbane but was not given a game to control on the opening week of the finals with Ashley Klein, Gerard Sutton, Todd Smith and Grant Atkins preferred.

Gee, who was not named in the NRL Bunker for any of the clashes either, has been chosen to be the standby referee for Penrith v Roosters as well as Saturday's Cowboys v Knights clash in Townsville.

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"Very surprised," Johns said of the NRL's decision on Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour.

"Last year's grand final was one of the best officiated for a long time in a big game. He stayed out of it and put his whistle away and it showed.

"It was one of the best grand finals. I was really surprised and I think everyone is really surprised, but they have their reasons."

Speaking to reporters regarding Gee's non-appointment, NRL head of football Graham Annesley said the decision was based on performances during the season.

"We only have four games this week, and match officials have been selected on form," he said.

"Todd 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.

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"Competition for positions inevitably drives improved performance and consistency."

Annesley did not rule out naming Gee for the remainder of the NRL finals series, after he officiated games every week during last year's series as well as the eventual decider, which Penrith snatched in the final seconds.