Matt Cecchin will become just the seventh referee to reach the milestone of 300 NRL matches when he officiates in the Penrith-Canberra match at Panthers Stadium on Sunday.
Cecchin will be lead referee in the match, which will see him join Bill Harrigan, Col Pearce, Shayne Hayne, Gavin Badger, Ben Cummins and Steve Clark in the exclusive club.
Remarkably, Cecchin will also reach 500 matches as an official in the same match; 300 as referee, 166 as touch judge and 34 as a video referee.
"Matt has been an outstanding referee throughout a fantastic career," NRL Head of Football Brian Canavan said.
"He has had refereeing in his blood and his intelligence and resilience have enabled him to join a very special group - the officials' 300 Club.
"The fact he is also able to celebrate his 500th match as an official in the NRL is far more than a coincidence.
"It is a true reflection of a long and successful career."
Cecchin has refereed three Grand Finals - while being touch judge in two more - 22 Finals Series matches, as well as four State of Origins.
NRL Senior Manager - Officiating Bernard Sutton said Cecchin deserved to reach 300 matches and congratulated him on the achievement.
"It's a testament to Matt's dedication, his love of the game and his commitment to officiating," Sutton said.
"His record speaks for itself. He has been an outstanding match official and will now join a very exclusive group."
Referees 300 Club
Bill Harrigan (393)
Col Pearce (340)
Shayne Hayne (328)
Gavin Badger (327)
Ben Cummins (327)
Steve Clark (314)
