After last year announcing his departure from the NRL, referee Matt Cecchin will officiate his first first-grade match of the year this weekend.
Six months after leaving Australia as a result of death threats, referee Matt Cecchin will return to the NRL field this weekend.
The veteran whistleblower has been named to take charge of Saturday’s clash between Manly and Sydney Roosters at Lottoland.
Cecchin last year announced he would quit the NRL after being targeted in the wake of his performance in England’s World Cup semi-final win over Tonga.
He denied Andrew Fifita a try which would have sent the Tongans into the final against Australia, prompting some fans to bombard him on social media.
Cecchin’s decision to not award the try was later endorsed as correct.
He had planned to head to the English Super League in 2019 however a visa hiccup scuppered those plans.
He returned to Australia and oversaw a NSW Cup game last weekend before being asked to step up to first-grade once again this weekend.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Great news Matt is the type of referee we need in the NRL!
Bazza
Roar Rookie
One of the better refs. Great to see him back.
Nat
Roar Guru
Not their biggest issue
AE47
Roar Rookie
Oh dear, we have him on weekend
matth
Roar Guru
Welcome back ref. I hope you get the respect you deserve i.e. plenty. Reffing is a tough gig these days.
Big Daddy
Guest
Good to see him back. Puts a lot back into the game. Saw him at last years Koori carnival. More refs should be doing that. Didn't take the limelight and the players really respected him.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Cecchin refereeing the chooks? There will be more chicken legs on show than in a Steggles factory! Bahahahahahaha
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Welcome back Cecchin. Fingers crossed that means Klein is back in reserve grade.... But unlikely.