Manly centre Steve Matai has been suspended for one NRL match for making contact with referee Matt Cecchin during Saturday night's win over Melbourne.

Matai faced the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night to challenge the contrary conduct charge, but was found guilty.

On the sidelines again: Steve Matai (centre) has only just returned from injury. Credit:Getty Images

Matai was also hit with a grade-one careless high tackle charge on Storm centre Will Chambers, which he pleaded guilty to earlier.

The contrary conduct charge alone was enough to earn a match on the sidelines, meaning the New Zealander will miss the Sea Eagles' clash with Newcastle at Brookvale next Sunday.

AAP