NRL 2026, NRLW 2026, Grand final referees, Adam Gee, Belinda Sharpe, highest honour

Top of their game: Gee, Sharpe to control grand finals

Author: Martin Lenehan NRL Lead Journalist
Timestamp: Tue 29 Sep 2026, 06:01 PM

After taking charge of one of the great grand finals of the modern era in 2023, Adam Gee has bided his time and worked on his craft in a bid to return to the game's biggest stage.

On Sunday night at Accor Stadum, as the Roosters and Knights battle for premiership supremacy, Gee will have the honour of refereeing his second grand final as three years of dedication are rewarded.

"It has been a bit of a process, the ups and downs, and even this season there's been the trials and tribulations of being a referee," Gee said.

"It has been a long road, every referee knows there is that adversity that comes within and externally the criticism, it has been a bit of a long path but just very grateful to be back here again.

"The week was a bit of a whirlwind leading into the first one, it all flies so fast and I probably wasn't expecting the appointment.

"You appreciate the next one even more because you don't know when it is going to come around again after you've had that great experience.

"It's just a privilege and an honour to get the call-up again."

The NRLW decider between the Roosters and Broncos will be refereed by Belinda Sharpe, who takes charge of her fifth grand final.

"It's a grand final so it's a special week and some of the events make it really enjoyable but you approach your preparation the same as every other game," said Sharpe.

"The game has never been in better shape and we are seeing that through the ratings and the crowd support and particularly for the women's game it certainly is the best competition in women's sport anywhere.

Youi Stories of Change: Belinda Sharpe

"The skill level and the games themselves continue to amaze everyone every year and it is unbelievable to be part of that and see the growth of the women's game."

Both Gee and Sharpe agreed that they key is to enjoy the occasion but make sure you stick to your processes and treat the decider like any other game they controlled during the season.

"I will just stick to my processes that I use week in and week out, especially on game day," said Gee.

"You just have to treat it like another game and hopefully go unnoticed and the players decide it. That's the plan ultimately.

"Credit to the players back in '23 how they played and allowed me to do that and fingers crossed that happens this week as well and it's all about the players."