Was the 2023 NRL Grand Final the best-officiated game in the sport’s history?
Referee Adam Gee has been praised by many for his officiating in the Penrith Panthers’ 26-24 win over the Brisbane Broncos, a game that was his first test on the NRL’s biggest stage.
Gee fell into the role after regular referees Ashley Klein and Gerrard Sutton were demoted due to missed calls in the weeks prior.
With many questioning whether Gee was up to the task in the lead-up to the game, former referee Gavin Badger labelled the performance “outstanding”.
“I thought Adam was outstanding last night,” Badger told SEN 1170 The Run Home.
“Being out there, it was a big crowd, and it was a vocal crowd.
“Sometimes the crowd out there at Accor Stadium isn’t the greatest but it was a really good atmosphere last night.
Badger reflected on Gee’s journey to referee an NRL Grand Final and gave praise for his hard work over the last couple of years.
“I thought he handled the occasion (well), for a young guy, when it comes to refereeing, to go out there and handle it the way he did, it’s a credit to him,” Badger added.
“It’s a credit to what he’s done over the last two or three years to put himself in that position.”
The NRL Grand Final on Sunday night was Gee’s 217th game of his career since he made his debut in 2011.