Inspired by Australia’s first openly gay footballer Ian Roberts’ book, NRL referee Matt Cecchin has made history as the first Australian NRL official to reveal he is gay.
The Herald Sun reports:
Ending a closely held secret among parts of the rugby league community for the past six years, Cecchin has chosen to go public now his teenage son has completed his HSC.
Engaged 13 years ago, Cecchin told family and friends about his sexuality after reading retired NRL star Ian Roberts’ book, Finding Out.
Cecchin becomes the first NRL official or player since Roberts in 1995 to declare he is gay.
“Like a lot of people, I thought to be gay you had to be feminine, you had to go to nightclubs and you had to be in the scene, and I was never into that,” said Cecchin, who has refereed 116 NRL games and four Test matches.
“I played sport, I loved rugby league, I liked going to the pub with my mates.
“It wasn’t until I read Ian’s book that I started to tick a few boxes.
Read the full article via THE HERALD SUN
