The Parramatta Eels are still hopeful they can convince Blues Origin forward Ryan Matterson to remain in blue and gold next year.
Matterson has spoken at length about his meeting with Wayne Bennett and how the Dolphins are pursuing him for next season.
But the Eels haven’t given up hope and nor should they given the number of quality players already on the way out the door in 2023.
With Reed Mahoney, Marata Niukore and Isaiah Papali’i all moving on at the end of this year the Eels can ill-afford to watch another quality backrower depart.
Don’t be surprised if the blue and gold outfit try to sharpen their pencil by increasing the offer to keep Matterson at Parramatta.
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I wonder what he has been offered in comparison to what he has now, he is on 550K. I think max we would go is 650K. Dolphins do not need Matterson, he would be a luxary, not saying he wouldn't play and the talk of captain or co-captain could be legit and enticing, but they aren't desperate for Matterson, we need a back-rower, Dolphins do not. Not saying he wont start, Matterson would be the Dolphins (stupid name, need geographical name) starting Lock, but for us he would be too, that or back-rower.
You are right Mack, 1.5 over three years. so could be less this year or more than 500K.
Matterson's current contract is worth 470k not 550k.
I have only seen the 550k mentioned as what his next contract should be worth.
2.5 over parra offered
So we will end up paying more for Matterson than Tigers paid for Ice .
This
So what are you insinuating here mutts, that Matto is overpaid, or that the club totally fucked up ices contract. I think you mean the first scenario as you've been critical of those who are bagging the club over their handling of the contracts situation
Hindsight is a beautiful thing Chiefy. If the club had a crystal ball I'm sure they'd make a lot of different decisions. Mate but let's be real, you bag the club over literally everything. I can't be bothered looking but I'll bet you bagged the club when they signed Ice. Bagged it when they signed Matterson too most likely. It's fun to read I'll give you that.
So there wasn't going to be more pressure in the market from the new club resulting in the better player's values rising. Yes Muttman hindsight is a beautiful thing, but common sense shits on hindsight