Leading Rugby League referee comes out

Tuesday 14 Feb 2012
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A leading Rugby League referee has become only the second person involved with the Australian game to come out.

Matt Cecchin, who has taken charge of the National Rugby League’s grand final, said he was inspired after reading a book by former Aussie rugby star Ian Roberts, who is also gay.

The general acceptance following the announcement is a sure sign that being gay is no barrier to anyone wanting to take part in one of Australia’s most popular sports.

In an interview with the Herald Sun, Mr Cecchin said: “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.

“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.

“I’d be very surprised if I was the only gay person in Rugby League. But me coming out has nothing to do with other people in Rugby League.

“It has to do with the youth who are growing up today and may be going through a whole world of hurt and fear.

“My experience is they don’t need to be. People are OK with it now.”

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