NRL to increase support for referees as Cecchin considers future

THE NRL is likely to engage sports psychologists to work more closely with the game’s referees in an initiative suggested by Matt Cecchin.

GRAHAM Annesley says the NRL is likely to engage sports psychologists to work more closely with the game’s referees in an initiative suggested by Matt Cecchin.

The Titans boss, who will leave the Gold Coast next month to take up a role head of elite football operations at the NRL, has spoken to Cecchin and remains hopeful the leading referee will stay in the game.

Cecchin announced earlier this year he would retire at the end of the season after receiving vile abuse following last year’s World Cup where he made the correct decision not to award a try to Tonga in their semi-final thriller against eventual finalists England.

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Graham Annesley is leaving the Gold Coast Titans to become the NRL's new Head of Elite Football Programs. Picture: Jerad Williams

The loss of one of the best referees in the league would be a savage blow to the NRL and Annesley has already met with Cecchin to discuss remaining in the game.

“I’ve had a conversation with him and he’s considering that conversation at the moment, so we’ll see what happens,” said Annesley who officially finishes on the Gold Coast on October 26.

“He had announced his decision and made it public, so ultimately, he may still do that.

“But I think he’s a talented guy, he’s still one of our leading referees and has been for many years and it would be a shame if he was no longer in the game.

“I’m hopeful (he’ll reconsider) but ultimately it can only be his decision.”

Regardless of whether he remains in the game, Cecchin is likely to have a lasting impact on the whistleblowing ranks, with Annesley set to act on his suggestion for better ongoing support for officials.

Cecchin received police protection following the World Cup after threats were made to him and his family on social media as fans vented their fury at his decision in the dying stages of the semi-final.

Referee Matt Cecchin was the subject of vile social media abuse after he disallowed a try to Tonga's Andrew Fifita (L) in the dying stages of the World Cup semi-final against England despite making the correct decision that the front-rower loses the ball. AFP PHOTO / MICHAEL BRADLEY

“One thing that Matt said which I think has value and I intend to follow up is that the referees probably do need a sports psychologist to work with them more often,” Annesley said.

“Not just to cope with those sort of incidents (that he faced after the World Cup) but also just generally in terms of their attitudes on the field and how they cope with pressure situations.

“I think there’s a whole range of things that they can be given some assistance with. I think that that’s an important thing to deal with.”

Annesley also intends to improve the transparency of the game, holding weekly media conferences to discuss the weekend’s round of football — good and bad.

“Part of the discussions I had with Todd (NRL boss Todd Greenberg) was that I think we need to get on the front foot more publicly and explain the game’s position,” he said.

“Discuss the good, the bad, everything — to talk about controversy out of the weekend but also to talk about some of the good things that will happen, the tries that will be scored and statistics that show that the game is improving or in good shape.

“Having a forum where we can put both sides to get some balance into arguments.”