Banned rugby league player Matthew Nean has asked the NSWRL to show "compassion" by letting him play again.

A Group 4 judiciary suspended the former West Lions halfback for 20 years for deliberately shouldering referee James Brown during the spiteful grand final loss to North Tamworth at Jack Woolaston Oval in 2016.

In his latest attempt to return to the field, Nean told The Daily Telegraph that "everyone deserves a second chance".

"I've served nine years away from the game - that's almost half of the original suspension," he said.

"I've reflected, I've changed, and I just want to play again, with my family, my friends, and one day, alongside my son. Rugby league has always been part of who I am, and I want the chance to give back, not take away."

The Tamworth father had been offe

See Full Page