CHRIS Sutton is not the refereeing appointment the Dragons were hoping for, but it certainly could’ve been worse.

As foxsports.com.au noted on Monday, the Broncos are almost invincible at Suncorp Stadium when a whistleblower with the surname Sutton is out in the middle.

When Chris is one of the decision-makers, the Broncos have won 10 and lost just one.

But their record is perfect when his brother Gerard is on the whistle, with the Broncos boasting 16 wins from 16 games at home since 2014.

So, Dragons fans will be breathing a sigh of relief that Gerard will instead be in Sydney officiating the qualifying final between the Roosters and Sharks.

Chris has been named as the assistant referee, with the lead role going to Grant Atkins.

After Gerard’s controversial first half in the round 25 game between the Panthers and Storm, in which the Storm at one point enjoyed an 11-1 penalty count in their favour and two Panthers players were sent to the bin, the Chooks and Sharks are sure to be a little on edge.

Fox League commentator Michael Ennis said Sutton had “more impact” on the opening half of the match than any of the players.

“It’s been an incredible first half dominated by that man in the yellow shirt, Gerard Sutton,” Ennis said during the match.

“He’s had more impact on the field than any of the 17 players on each side.”

Read on for the full refereeing appointments.
Storm v Rabbitohs — Head: Ashley Klein; Assistant: Adam Gee

Panthers v Warriors — Head: Matt Cecchin; Assistant: Henry Perenara

Roosters V Sharks — Head: Gerard Sutton; Assistant: Ben Cummins

Broncos v Dragons — Head: Grant Atkins; Assistant: Chris Sutton