I’m calling it - best player this club has signed since Gareth Ellis.

Will be even better if the props can get us going forward and he can start running with a quick play the ball and us going forward.

They would definitely be top 2.
Followed by Hodgo and Prince.

@WeHaveCheeKam said in Matterson:

Will be even better if the props can get us going forward and he can start running with a quick play the ball and us going forward.

What is a prop? I can’t remember.

That was clear after round one. Worth his weight in gold.

Hope he plays the remainder of his career with us

He is a machine. Love his game.
Hope he stays healthy!

It’s been said many times

Can be likened to Ellis with consistent whole hearted efforts

Yep, big fan.

Loved when he scored against the rooster and was banging on his chest (where the tigers logo is)

An absolute super star we need to sign for life.

@Demps said in Matterson:

Yep, big fan.

Loved when he scored against the rooster and was banging on his chest (where the tigers logo is)

An absolute super star we need to sign for life.

Yep.

He is also the only forward (roughly) who can hold the player up defensively and stop them going forward.

On the other hand, I don’t feel we have even got close to seeing the best of him in attack.

It would be nice if we could surround him with some talent so we can really see the best of him.

Matterson makes splash at Tigers after being thrown in the deep end

By Adrian Proszenko
July 31, 2019 — 5.00pm

Ryan Matterson’s first day in the workforce was literally one of those sink-or-swim moments.

The lifeguard gig was meant to be an easy way to earn some extra pocket money while still at school.

“I figured I’d just be a bit of a statue, just standing there looking good,” Matterson said.

Not long after clocking in at the swimming centre, things got interesting for the then-teenager.
“There was this little kid in the baby pool just splashing around,” he said.

“I didn’t know if he was drowning or just pretending. You don’t really know in that situation. This was just my first shift and I was only 30 minutes into it. I’m thinking ‘is this what it’s going to be like, because this isn’t for me!’

“His dad ran in and picked him up like he was drowning. And then he looks at me like ‘What are you doing?’

“Turns out the kid was joking. I got shook up, as you would. Then the dad started paying out on me. I [realised] if someone is joking I’d still have to save them.”

Matterson’s rugby league career also got off to an inauspicious start. His dream was to play in the NRL, but some of his teachers at St Pauls Catholic College in Greystanes told him he was wasting his time.

Wests Tigers star Ryan Matterson is on the cusp of representative selection.
“I remember at school there were teachers telling me that I’d never be good enough,” he recalled.

“That shocks you because schools are meant to help children chase their dreams. It really shocked me when somebody told me I won’t ever play first grade.

“Obviously the teachers want you to learn, especially in their subject. Maybe it was a kick in the bum to make me listen in maths. The way they went about it, it really shocked me.

“I went home, told my mum and dad and they said that I can prove him wrong.”

Matterson has done just that. After making 60 NRL appearances for the Roosters, the 24-year-old switched to Wests Tigers last summer. The move has paid off for both parties. Such is Matterson’s form this season that he was on the cusp of State of Origin selection, twice being chosen as 18th man for the Blues.

However, it hasn’t always been a smooth ride into the NRL ranks. He began his journey as a member of Parramatta’s top squad, hoping to get his debut while doing his time at feeder club Wentworthville. That changed when he got punted all the way down to the third-tier Massey Cup.

“Brad Arthur dropped me,” Matterson recalled. “We had our differences and obviously I’ll keep that closed. He told me why, I said ‘fair enough’ and had to do my time in Ron Massey Cup. He said I have to play a game there, but the first two were washed out. I was really rattled.”

Matterson’s fortunes improved after being released to the Roosters. In debuting for the club, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Paul, who made two first-grade appearances for the tri-colours. If he fulfils his Origin dream, he will be the second member of his family to do so after uncle Terry Matterson represented the Blues in 1989.

His immediate focus, however, is Thursday’s clash with North Queensland. A win at Leichhardt Oval

will lift the Tigers, at least temporarily, into the top eight.

“My time at the Tigers has been unreal,” Matterson said. “Madge [coach Michael Maguire] has been awesome, the club has been awesome, the players have been awesome. Every game, I’m so excited to play. That’s showing on the football field.”

Fittler…he is waiting…

If Mbye moves on, I’d seriously consider giving this guy the captaincy.