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Knee injury may force Matulino to hang up boots
Author
Michael Chammas
Chief Reporter
Timestamp
Thu 25 Jul 2019, 02:58 PM
Wests Tigers prop Ben Matulino may have played his last game of rugby league as he faces the prospect of entering retirement.
NRL.com understands the knee injury the 30-year-old suffered in the club’s 27-26 victory against the Cowboys in round 14 is potentially career-ending.
Matulino hasn’t been able to return to training since the injury and there are genuine fears his NRL days are numbered.
The Wests Tigers have been struggling in the forwards and want him back on the field, however the medical advice suggests he may struggle to play again.
The RLPA is working closely with Matulino, who is guaranteed the full amount of his contract, which expires at the end of 2020.
However, if it is deemed he has suffered a career-ending injury, the Tigers may have his contract - believed to be upwards of around $600,000 next year - excluded from the salary cap.
The NRL is aware of the situation and will need to be convinced the injury isn’t chronic and has been the result of a career-ending injury for Matulino’s contract to be wiped from the cap.
Knights v Wests Tigers - Round 19
Matulino has played 248 NRL games since his Telstra Premiership debut for the Warriors in 2008, joining the Tigers last season under former coach Ivan Cleary.
Prior to his knee injury in round 14, Matulino had played in 36 of the possible 37 games since joining the Tigers.
He’s also proven to be quite resilient throughout his career, playing in 215 of the possible 234 games since cementing a regular spot in the NRL in 2010.
Ben Matulino passes during the round-14 clash with the Cowboys.
Ben Matulino passes during the round-14 clash with the Cowboys.
©Scott Davis/NRL Photos
While it’s unfortunate for Matulino and the Tigers, the potential retirement could allow them the opportunity to lure new players to the club.
It comes a week after Josh Reynolds was granted permission by the club to negotiate with rival teams after Benji Marshall indicated he was playing on.
The potential departure of Reynolds and retirement of Matulino could mean the Tigers head into next season with more than $1 million in the bank to sign some new faces.
Author
Michael Chammas
Chief Reporter
Timestamp
Thu 25 Jul 2019, 02:58 PM
Wests Tigers prop Ben Matulino may have played his last game of rugby league as he faces the prospect of entering retirement.
NRL.com understands the knee injury the 30-year-old suffered in the club’s 27-26 victory against the Cowboys in round 14 is potentially career-ending.
Matulino hasn’t been able to return to training since the injury and there are genuine fears his NRL days are numbered.
The Wests Tigers have been struggling in the forwards and want him back on the field, however the medical advice suggests he may struggle to play again.
The RLPA is working closely with Matulino, who is guaranteed the full amount of his contract, which expires at the end of 2020.
However, if it is deemed he has suffered a career-ending injury, the Tigers may have his contract - believed to be upwards of around $600,000 next year - excluded from the salary cap.
The NRL is aware of the situation and will need to be convinced the injury isn’t chronic and has been the result of a career-ending injury for Matulino’s contract to be wiped from the cap.
Knights v Wests Tigers - Round 19
Matulino has played 248 NRL games since his Telstra Premiership debut for the Warriors in 2008, joining the Tigers last season under former coach Ivan Cleary.
Prior to his knee injury in round 14, Matulino had played in 36 of the possible 37 games since joining the Tigers.
He’s also proven to be quite resilient throughout his career, playing in 215 of the possible 234 games since cementing a regular spot in the NRL in 2010.
Ben Matulino passes during the round-14 clash with the Cowboys.
Ben Matulino passes during the round-14 clash with the Cowboys.
©Scott Davis/NRL Photos
While it’s unfortunate for Matulino and the Tigers, the potential retirement could allow them the opportunity to lure new players to the club.
It comes a week after Josh Reynolds was granted permission by the club to negotiate with rival teams after Benji Marshall indicated he was playing on.
The potential departure of Reynolds and retirement of Matulino could mean the Tigers head into next season with more than $1 million in the bank to sign some new faces.
