Ryan Matterson turns down rivals to pen new Parramatta contract
Parramatta have been handed a huge boost with the news Ryan Matterson has pledged his future to the club by penning a new four-year contract extension.
It has been a tough week for the Eels after they suffered a humiliating defeat against the Canterbury Bulldogs. However it could end on a high note with the news that Matterson is ready to commit.
Courier Mail journalist Peter Badel broke the news on twitter on Saturday morning. The deal is said to run until the end of the 2026 NRL campaign and is worth $2.4million.
The Eels are in action on Saturday when they face the Sydney Roosters. A club announcement could be made after the game but it looks as though a deal is in the bag.
Ryan Matterson agrees bumper deal
The news should also give everyone a lift as the Eels look to bounce back from the Bulldogs loss. They didn’t just lose, the manner of the 34-4 defeat was alarming to say the least.
“BREAKING: CONTRACT NEWS. NSW Origin forward Ryan Matterson is poised to knock back the Dolphins and sign a $2.4 million extension with the Eels until end of 2026. Decision after tonight’s game against the Roosters,” Badel posted on twitter with a link to the article in the Courier Mail.
Matterson signing will be a blow to the Dolphins, who were chasing a deal for the 27-year-old. Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett had revealed he had spoken to the player about a switch to Redcliffe. It was then a matter of waiting for an answer and Matterson has opted to stay in Sydney.
Dolphins snubbed
Speaking about the situation earlier this month, Eels coach Brad Arthur was hopeful of keeping hold. The deal that has been put on the table is big enough. While the chance to stay in Sydney will also have been a key factor.
“We have put a good competitive offer for four years to him and we would love him to stay,” Arthur revealed. “He is a local junior. Came through our system, and been back now for a couple of years and playing his best footy.
“He is a real integral part of us moving forward. We would love him to stay. I feel like his preference is to stay in Sydney, stay at Parramatta around his family but I am not sure what the Redcliffe offer is.”
The Eels have seen a number of key players sign up elsewhere so Matterson committing will be a huge boost.