Refs call in the doctors

Outgoing Titans boss open to sports psych ploy

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

Outgoing Titans boss Graham Annesley, who will leave the Gold Coast next month to take up a role as head of elite football operations at the NRL, has spoken to Cecchin and is hopeful he 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 decision not to award a try to Tonga in a thrilling semi-final against eventual finalists England.

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

“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.

“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.”