Inspired by Australia's first openly homosexual footballer, rugby league referee Matt Cecchin has revealed he is gay.

The grand final referee is the only league player or official to come out in public as gay since retired front-rower Ian Roberts did about 16 years ago.

Out ... Cecchin. Credit:Getty Images

Cecchin, who began refereeing in 2001, told the Sunday Telegraph he announced his sexuality after reading Roberts's biography, Finding Out.

The book details Roberts's public coming out in 1995 when he was a player for Manly-Warringah.

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Cecchin's sexuality has been well known in league circles but it was reported he wanted to wait until his teenage son had completed his HSC until he went public.

Cecchin said he had never been discriminated against on the field and wanted to encourage young gay people to feel comfortable with their sexuality.