Matt Cecchin

Matt Cecchin is an Australian rugby league referee in the National Rugby League (NRL). He has officiated at the 2011 Four Nations and a match during the 2012 State of Origin series.

He has been a National Rugby League referee since 2001.

Cecchin began his career by controlling Metro Cup matches. He made his first grade debut when he took over from an injured Steve Clark at halftime of a New Zealand Warriors and Northern Eagles match on 1 June 2001. His first full first grade match was on 14 July 2001, when he controlled a match between the Wests Tigers and North Queensland. He controlled 22 matches between 2001 and 2004. In 2003, he was told the only way he would remain an official was to become a touch judge.

Cecchin returned to first grade in 2008 and has controlled finals matches since 2009. He controlled the 2011 NRL Grand Final alongside Tony Archer.

Cecchin was appointed to control the 2010 City vs Country Origin match and refereed in the 2011 Four Nations. He controlled one match during the 2012 State of Origin series.

Cecchin's father played reserve grade for the Newtown Jets.

In 2012, Cecchin revealed he was gay, becoming the first NRL official or player since Ian Roberts in 1995 to declare that he is gay.

Cecchin has revealed having panic attacks before a match. He is a mental health ambassador for rugby league.