Eels circling as Tigers star Matterson falls out with Maguire
By Adrian Proszenko
September 12, 2019 — 5.15pm
Parramatta may be the beneficiaries of a fallout between Wests Tigers star Ryan Matterson and coach Michael Maguire that could result in him leaving Concord.
Just days after suffering a heartbreaking loss that cost them a finals spot, the Tigers are now facing the prospect of losing arguably their best player. Matterson is unsettled at the Tigers and has told those close to him he wants out. The star forward, who was 18th man for NSW for the final State of Origin game, has been at odds with Maguire and is aware he could earn more elsewhere.
Maguire and Matterson have met in a bid to resolve their issues, but he could be the man to make way at a club that has struggled to offload several other out-of-favour players.
Parramatta are one of several clubs aware of the dramas and could make a play if the 24-year-old becomes available. Ironically, Matterson was released from the Eels while still under contract after failing to make his mark on the club. At one point, he was dropped all the way down to the Ron Massey Cup after falling foul of coach Brad Arthur. However, he proved himself a player of promise during his stint at the Roosters and has further stepped up his game at the Tigers.
Parramatta are also close to securing the signature of Reagan Campbell-Gillard. The Eels are one of the few clubs still with money to spend and are in the process of recruiting or retaining their priority targets. The long-running saga that has been Michael Jennings' contract extension is over, with the veteran centre agreeing to a two-year deal. The club had initially only offered a one-year extension but the parties have agreed to keep the former NSW and Australian three-quarter until the end of 2021.
Parramatta have been on the lookout for a back-rower and a front-rower and have all but secured the latter target with Campbell-Gillard. Now that the Panthers’ season is over, the parties are expected to thrash out the final details of his switch to the blue and golds. Penrith have had to subsidise the deal after he only recently signed a back-ended five-year contract extension to remain at the foot of the mountains.
Matterson hasn’t yet asked for a release but the club may be prepared to let him go given they have had no joy shifting Josh Reynolds, Chris McQueen, Russell Packer and Ben Matulino. Esan Marsters has also been given permission to speak to rivals, although it remains to be seen whether he will seek a release.
Canterbury are another club with money to spend and could consider Matterson. The Bulldogs have missed out on recruitment targets Apisai Koroisau, Jesse Ramien, Herman Ese’ese and Jennings and are desperate to land a blow in the transfer market.
Jennings said he was relieved to sort out his future.
“Two more years, I think they’re just drawing up the contracts,” Jennings said.
“It’s good, I wanted to stay. I’m happy now, the club is settled here, my little bub is growing and the new training facilities [at Kellyville] will be just five minutes down the road.
“It’s perfect, everything is good and I’m happy.”
The Eels are also in the market for a back-up hooker to promising youngster Reed Mahoney after Kaysa Pritchard retired earlier this season. The club is also planning for the following year and will be in the mix for David Fifita’s services if the Brisbane young gun doesn’t recommit before November 1.
The Eels take on the Broncos on Sunday at Bankwest Stadium, which has been sold out for the game, it was announced on Thursday.
Fifita proved the difference between the teams when they played just a fortnight ago, with a barnstorming run in extra time setting the platform for the game-winning field goal.
Eels halfback Mitchell Moses is expecting to be targeted by Fifita in the anticipated rematch.
“He’s been in outstanding form and is probably one of the form back-rowers in the comp at the moment,” Moses said.
“It’s scary to think he’s only 19. He’s been outstanding for them and we will definitely have to watch him this week.
“When you defend out there as a halfback, you’re going to have those big back-rowers coming at you. We’ve got to do a good job on them and it will take a whole team effort this week to get the win.”
