No changes to top eight as Atkins lands derby: NRL referees Round 2

The NRL has confirmed the same eight referees who took charge of matches during Round 1 of the season will hold their positions into Round 2.

Refereeing criticism was mostly absent from the first round of the season, in a welcome relief for the competition.

Round 2, headlined by Sunday afternoon's clash between the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers which will be officiated by Grant Atkins, also features games between the St George Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney Rabbitohs in a rivalry game that Ashley Klein has been appointed to, and the Manly Sea Eagles travelling across the Tasman alongside referee Adam Gee to play the New Zealand Warriors.

Here are all the Round 2 appointments.

Referee: Gerard Sutton
Touch judges: Matt Noyen and Kasey Badger
Bunker official: Ashley Klein

Referee: Adam Gee
Touch judges: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski and Michael Wise
Bunker official: Chris Butler

Referee: Todd Smith
Touch judges: Belinda Sharpe and Phil Henderson
Bunker official: Grant Atkins

Referee: Ashley Klein
Touch judges: Drew Oultram and Kieren Irons
Bunker official: Kasey Badger

Referee: Liam Kennedy
Touch judges: Jarrod Cole and Tyson Brough
Bunker official: Gerard Sutton

Referee: Wyatt Raymond
Touch judges: Dave Munro and Dan Schwass
Bunker official: Matt Noyen

Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch judges: Chris Sutton and Belinda Sharpe
Bunker official: Kasey Badger

Referee: Peter Gough
Touch judges: Jon Stone and Damian Brady
Bunker official: Chris Butler