Absolute Travesty

[Captain Clark]

Paul Simpkins has been appointed to referee at the weekend and it will be the Sydney police officer's first Grand Final appointment capping a career that has spanned 258 first grade games, three State of Origin and two Test matches.

The 37-year-old said he was delighted and honoured to have been given the appointment.

"No matter what your role in the game you want to earn the right to be there on Grand Final Day and it's certainly been a dream of mine as a referee," he said.

"We've got a great squad of referees and to be selected out of that squad for this game is something you've got to take a bit of pride in.

"It's certainly a great way to finish the year after having missed a few weeks with injury earlier in the season.

"For all of that though the game isn't about the referee and I'll be concentrating on making the right calls when needed and letting the players have their day."

THIS HAS TO BE A f**kING JOKE.