Let $G$ be a collineation group of a thick finite generalised hexagon or generalised octagon $\Gamma$. If $G$ acts primitively on the points of $\Gamma$, then a recent result of Bamberg et al. shows that $G$ must be an almost simple group of Lie type. We show that, furthermore, the minimal normal subgroup $S$ of $G$ cannot be a Suzuki group or a Ree group of type $^2\text{ G}_2$, and that if $S$ is a Ree group of type $^2\text{ F}_4$, then $\Gamma$ is (up to point--line duality) the classical Ree--Tits generalised octagon.
Categories: math.GR math.CO