Sutton made several critical errors, bumbling his way through the sudden-death match in an effort considered one the worst semi-final refereeing performances in 40 years.

His fellow referee Gavin Badger has been relieved of all duties.

NRL referees boss Tony Archer did not confirm why the referees had been dropped, just that they would not be adjudicating this weekend’s semi-final matches.

“Following a detailed review of all matches from week one of the finals, the two lead referees for week two matches will be Matt Cecchin and Ben Cummins,” he said.

“It is my view that they were the best performing referees from last weekend.

“Gerard Sutton and Alan Shortall will be the assist referees.”

Sutton’s errors are believed to have contributed to the Titans losing the game.

Those mistakes included awarding a 51st-minute try to Brisbane despite centre James Roberts kicking an opponent in the back during the lead-up and failing to see Bronco Corey Parker headbutt Titan Ryan James in a scrum.

Matt Cecchin will control the Cowboys-Broncos game on Friday night.