Incoming Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles could be set to make his first roster decision with Ryan Matterson reportedly on the way out.
Matterson is on a deal that runs until the end of the 2026 season with the final year a player option. Reportedly the contract is worth $600,000-a-season.
The Origin representative signed the deal in mid-2022 when the Eels beat the Dolphins for his signature.
Stan Sports’ Dawn of the Dolphins documentary captured those negotiations with Matterson’s manager Chris Orr.
Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett and recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan were both asked if they’d consider making it a four-year deal. They agreed, but ultimately Matterson stayed with the Eels.
However, according to 9news Sydney and The Sydney Morning Herald’s Michael Chammas, the forward is on the outer now.
“Nothing’s happened as yet, but the conversation has occurred with his management to give him basically a little tap on the shoulder that, if there’s anything out there, it might be worth having a look around,” he said on Nine’s 100% Footy.
Matterson could start a domino effect for the Eels as Ryles looks to clean up an underachieving roster, with Parramatta going from a grand final two years ago, to battling it out to avoid the wooden spoon.