Matt Cecchin(born 1973) is an Australian formerrugby leaguerefereewho officiated in theNRLbetween 2001 and 2021. Cecchin has officiated international matches at the2011 Four Nationsand2017 World Cup,and domestic representative matches in all three games of the2017 State of Origin series.
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Source:[1] As of 11 February 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Referee career
editCecchin began his career by overseeingMetro Cupmatches.[2]He made his first grade debut when he took over from an injured Steve Clark at halftime of aNew Zealand WarriorsandNorthern Eaglesmatch on 1 June 2001.[3]His first full first grade match was on 14 July 2001, when he officiated a match between theWests TigersandNorth Queensland.He controlled 22 matches between 2001 and 2004.[1]In 2003, he was told the only way he would remain an official was to become a touch judge.[2]
Cecchin returned to first grade in 2008 and has been in charge of finals matches since 2009.[1]He controlled the2011 NRL Grand FinalalongsideTony Archer.[4]
Cecchin was appointed to control the 2010City vs Country Originmatch and refereed in the2011 Four Nations.He controlled one match during the2012 State of Origin series.[1]
He was awarded his second Grand Final appointed2016 NRL Grand Finalas lead referee along with assistant Ben Cummins. He was appointed lead referee for Game I of the2017 State of Origin series.
In February 2018, Cecchin refereed oneSuper Leaguematch whenWigan Warriorstook their home game againstHull F.C.toWIN StadiuminWollongong,Australia.[5][6]
Personal life
editCecchin's father played reserve grade for theNewtown Jets.[4]
In 2012, Cecchin revealed he was gay, becoming the first NRL official or player sinceIan Robertsin 1995 to do so.[7][4]
Cecchin has revealed having panic attacks before a match. He is a mental health ambassador for rugby league.[8]
References
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- ^abcdMatt Cecchinrugbyleagueproject.org
- ^abThis Sporting Life: Matt Cecchinsmh.com.au,2 October 2011
- ^Jessup, Peter (2 June 2001)."Rugby League: Warriors shine at the Death".Retrieved7 April2017– via New Zealand Herald.
- ^abcNRL referee Matt Cecchin says being gay no reason to live in feardailytelegraph.com.au,11 February 2012
- ^"WiganWarriors v Hull FC - Matt, Nick & Jeff".NSWRLRA.com. 10 February 2018.Retrieved11 February2018.
- ^Walter, Brad (10 February 2018)."Wigan win Super League match over Hull in Wollongong".NRL.com.Retrieved11 February2018.
- ^Webster, Andrew (2 August 2018)."Death threats and ongoing criticism force Cecchin to quit the NRL".The Sydney Morning Herald.Nine Entertainment Co.Retrieved17 November2020.
- ^Webster, Andrew (7 April 2017)."'I was going to fake an injury': NRL referee Matt Cecchin opens up about mental health ".Retrieved7 April2017– via The Sydney Morning Herald.