Klein dropped from on-field duties for NRL preliminary finals

The NRL has announced the referee appointments for the preliminary finals on September 22 and 23. Ashley Klein will not officiate on-field following his performance in last weekend's match between the New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights, but he remains in a bunker role. Adam Gee will referee the Dolphins vs. Sydney Roosters match, while Gerard Sutton officiates the clash between the Penrith Panthers and Newcastle Knights. Chris Butler is retained in the bunker after criticism alongside Klein. The fixture will also include NRLW preliminary finals, with unchanged officiating crews from prior matches.

• 6:19 AMZero Tackle NRL — Klein almost dropped, Butler survives, grand final shootout revealed: NRL preliminary final referees and match officials