The Dolphins are poised to finally land a big fish in the shape of Parramatta Eels back-rower Ryan Matterson.
Named yesterday to make his Origin debut, Matterson is coming off contract at season's end and has been in hot demand for several months.
But Wide World of Sports has learned that Matterson has all but agreed to join the NRL's new franchise and will probably captain Wayne Bennett's Dolphins in their inaugural NRL season.
His departure will be a disaster for the Eels, who have already lost forwards Isaiah Papali'i to the Tigers, Marata Niukore to the Warriors, Reed Mahoney to the Bulldogs and Ray Stone to the Dolphins for next season.
The Dolphins have been steadily signing players but Matterson is by far the biggest name they are set to attract.
Replies
Fair enough.
Can't blame him for taking the big money one last time.
Thanks Ryan for your half year of good service this year.
Now that you've sorted your contract out, we'll probably see your name on the unavailable list for most of the rest of the year.
exactlyyyyyyyyy
I dont blame him either, hopefully he can keep up the great form and bring home the trophy before he leaves.
Opens up about 500k for us to use, fresh slate with a young halves pairing. I think we will build towards 2024.
Next year might be tough like youve mentioned BEM
Would you like to see us make a play for Frizell, Mack? He has a player option in his favor.
The players that will replace them are already in our system.
Brett keeps referring to these players already in our system but who the f@ck are they?, no-one in reserve grade has been knocking on the door for a run in first grade, if they were they would have been given a run ahead of JA and Cartwright.
Don't mistake playing NSW Cup and being NSW Cup standard. Every player starts at lower levels and work their way through. We marvel at Penrith's production line, but Yeo, Cleary, Luai, JFH, Edwards, Crichton etc all went through NSW Cup before anyone knew who they were.
Elle El Zhakem looks very good, as does Ky Rodwell, Brendan Hands, Jack Williams.
Brett, they may replace them but you know we'll miss the top 8 right ? Or are you saying those players will be good enough to replace a dally m second rower of the year and a nsw forward, Brett please mate, I know you're religious but you're talking miracles here lol
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