Matai hit with one-match NRL ban

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

Manly centre Steve Matai has been hit with one-match NRL ban for making contact with a referee. (AAP)

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

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.