The NRL say a decision to drop last year's grand-final referee Adam Gee from the opening week of this year's finals was based purely on form.
Gee was considered the NRL's top referee a year ago, but has seemingly fallen out of favour after not being handed any of the four finals this weekend.
The decision comes despite Gee being widely praised for his performance in last year's decider, and being used for big matches such as in Las Vegas to start this season.
Gee had a largely error-free end to the campaign, with no obvious issues in last week's clash between Manly and Cronulla.
The whistleblower is the one man out from last year's opening week of finals, with Todd Smith taking his spot.
Gee will instead act as Smith's standby referee, in case he goes down injured in the elimination final between North Queensland and Newcastle.
The NRL has stressed that the decision is not based on any one decision or howler, but instead claimed it was due to officiating over the entire season.
"We only have four games this week, and match officials have been selected on form," the NRL's head of football Graham Annesley 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.
"Competition for positions inevitably drives improved performance and consistency".
Gee has also not been named as a bunker official for any of the four matches, and is also listed as the standby referee for the finals opener between Penrith and Sydney Roosters.
Ashley Klein, Gerard Sutton, Smith and Grant Atkins are the four referees named for this weekend's matches.
