Disgruntled Wests Tigers star Ryan Matterson has met with Parramatta as he explores a possible homecoming to his junior club.
Matterson was given permission to negotiate with other clubs late last month and is expected to turn out in rival colours next year despite having two seasons to run on his current Tigers deal.
NRL.com understands that Matterson met with Eels officials on Tuesday and is also scheduled to fly to the Gold Coast and meet incoming Titans coach Justin Holbrook next week.Parramatta coach Brad Arthur is on holidays and was not present at Tuesday's meeting, but both parties remain open to pursuing a possible move for Matterson back into the Blue and Gold.
The Tigers though have stressed they won't release the rising back-rower unless they also benefit from the deal.
Whether that involves a player swap or financial compensation has been discussed at Concord, but the Tigers hard-line stance looms as a significant hurdle for clubs pursuing the 25-year-old
Both the Eels and Wests Tigers are yet to make an official announcement on the matter.
Retiring Wests Tigers icon Robbie Farah described Matterson's dispute with the club as "beyond the point of return" last week, with the Tigers keen to have Matterson's future sorted before the next rugby league financial year begins on November 1.
Matterson is slated to earn around $350,000 next year under his Tigers deal, but would be able to earn a bigger payday elsewhere given his rise to NSW Origin 18th man honours this year.
Parramatta have identified Matterson as a potential back-row target having already beefed up their forward pack by securing Reagan Campbell-Gillard from Penrith.
Matterson started out as an Eels junior and captained their under 20s team as a halfback, but fell out with Arthur over the coach's push for him to play in the forwards.
The pair have since resolved their differences, though it was Holbrook who proved instrumental in taking Matterson across town to the Roosters in 2016.
Holbrook guided St Helens to his first Super League title last weekend in his farewell to the English powerhouse, and is set to take charge at the Titans in the coming days
Replies
It's an asset having player that has both the strength and skill set to play at lock, edge forward and 5/8.
Yeah he seems bit of a problem child but I think it's money his after more than anything.
He'd be a good signing. I'm all for it but it all depends on the $$$. I think Parra shouldn't offer anymore than 550- 600k per season. If he wants more he can go to the Titans who'd have to pay overs.
Off all the clubs that have expressed an interest so far (Parra, Dogs and Titans) we're in the best position to chase a premiership.
Can Mr Matterson tackle aggressively for 80 minutes. That's what we need. We don't need a highlight reel.
That is a fair point. We need more mongrel in defence.
Ultimately though I think the main issue is not each players defensive tenacity which is the most paramount, but the team as a unit.
If we don't learn how to defend and survive 2-3 consective sets in our 20 we won't close to the top contenders.
Spot on Parra fan on the hill. We're are still missing that forward leader that galvanises the pack.
If we had the likes of a Fischer-Harris we'd be a genuine premiership contender.Thats our biggest weakness heading into 2020 and we still lack quality impact off the bench as the current squad stands.
Bup, what spot do you see RCG playing, starting prop or bench?
If I was BA id want aggression from my starting bookend from the opening whistle . We need a forward to throw down the gauntlet and challenge not only the opposing pack but his teammates .
Our forwards will be challenged next year to be more physical and dominate the opposition in attack and defense and BA will require the prop rotation to set the standard and whoever meets expectations will start.
RCG will probably start the season from the bench with Evans at the back end of last year earning first crack provided his off seasons up to scratch.
I expect RCG to have a big impact in the first couple of months of the year and take over starting duties early on . Junior will play the longer minutes with RCG and Evans rotating , I don't see the two of them spending too long in the middle together. I suspect BA like me prefers differing body types on the field at any given time.
I think if one looks at his record at Chooks and Wests he does play big minutes in both attack and defence and given the difference between him and Frizell this past season, I also look at the both of their stats that are available, and Matto comes out on top
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyson_Frizell
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Matterson
They are very small stats overall and I am assuming the P stands for penalties against the players.
Other factor to consider though is who is likely to provide more value to the eels out of the two of them and at what coin.
He was a winning forward in a GF a season or so back, and played pretty good attacking and defending game. At Wests was their forward of the year.
Welcome back matto
I think he's pretty far from "Welcome back, Matto".
1) He has to agree to $$$ and length of contract
2) the Tigers must receive what they want in exchange, either that being another player or $$$. I'm pretty sure Parra would rule out $$$ and I'm definate the Tigers won't accept what Parra doesn't want. I expect them to make a play for a couple Wenty players we have that are on the verge of NRL entry or have a handful of games under their belt.
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