NRL drops referee Ashley Klein ahead of preliminary finals
Zero Tackle NRL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 21, 2026, 7:50 AM
Last updated Sep 21, 2026
Ashley Klein has been removed from officiating duties for the NRL preliminary finals following a controversial match between the Newcastle Knights and New Zealand Warriors on September 20, 2026. The Knights won the Semi Final 12-10, but Klein's decisions during the game, including a missed penalty call against the Warriors, have drawn significant criticism. The NRL confirmed that the penalty should have been awarded and is investigating abuse directed towards Klein after the match. Adam Gee, Gerard Sutton, and Grant Atkins are potential replacements for Klein in the upcoming finals.
- •Klein was dropped after controversial calls in Knights vs. Warriors match.
- •Knights defeated Warriors 12-10 to secure a spot in the finals.
- •A late penalty that should have been awarded to the Warriors was missed.
- •Abuse towards Klein has prompted an NRL investigation.
- •Adam Gee, Gerard Sutton, and Grant Atkins could replace Klein this weekend.
- 7:50 AMZero Tackle NRL — NRL make big referee decision for preliminary finals
"It comes after a number of controversial calls from the Warriors v Knights clash.
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