Ryan Matterson joins Parramatta Eels on three-year deal

Ryan Matterson has finally found a new club – and he’s back where he started, with the second rower signing a three-year deal with his junior club.

Ryan Matterson of the Tigers is tackled by the Dragons defence during the Round 24 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Wests Tigers at the SCG in Sydney, Sunday, September 1, 2019. (AAP Image/Brendon Thorne) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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Ryan Matterson has been rewarded for walking out on a club mid-contract by signing a rich deal with Parramatta.

Matterson had two years remaining with Wests Tigers but quit the club early after claiming he was in dispute with coach Michael Maguire.

He now has a spanking new three-year contract with the Eels, starting from next season.

Wests Tigers players were so filthy at Matterson that he wouldn’t have been welcomed back at Concord even if he failed to secure a new club.

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Matterson finally finds his exit from Leichhardt. Photo: AAP Image/Brendon Thorne

Matterson’s deal at Bankwest Stadium is for two years with an option for a third season.

Several clubs had been linked with Matterson – part of an extended NSW squad this year – but Parramatta was always favourite given he is an Eels local junior.

Other NRL clubs showed early interest in Matterson but dropped off after conducting due diligence on the player.

Matterson played three years in Parramatta’s lower grades including a season in the Eels NYC side.

He also represented the Australian Schoolboys and Junior Kangaroos.

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Matterson has gone the long way to get back where he started. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images

Matterson signed with Wests Tigers this season after being offered a healthy pay rise from the contract he was earning at his previous club, Sydney Roosters.

“It’s always great to see the return of a local Parramatta Eels junior,” said Eels coach Brad Arthur.

“He’ll have a whole pre-season with the team and I know he’ll be an asset to our club next year.”

Matterson will start pre-season training with Parramatta later this month.

Originally published as Ryan Matterson joins Parramatta Eels on three-year deal