Wests Tigers tire of Ryan Matterson — and rivals are circling
Ryan Matterson has been granted leave due to “personal reasons”. But the story runs much deeper, with officials frustrated at the star forward’s behaviour and push for more money.
Tigers
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tigers. Followed categories will be added to My News.
EXPLAIN: NRL demands answers from Burgess
CAMPO’S CORNER: Finals week two preview
Wests Tigers are becoming increasingly frustrated with the behaviour of utility star Ryan Matterson, who was on Thursday granted leave from training for the rest of this season.
Club management won’t talk publicly but are sufficiently angry to tell Matterson — who they suggest is driven by money — he can walk away.
Well-informed sources believe Matterson wants a significant financial upgrade and is now “moping”, citing “personal reasons” for refusing to train.
Stream every match of the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series before the Grand Final Live & On-Demand on KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14 day free trial and start streaming instantly >
The Daily Telegraph understands Matterson hasn’t formally sought additional money but Wests Tigers understand at least one Sydney club has shown considerable interest in Matterson, despite him being under contract at Concord until the end of 2021.
Matterson, 24, is telling club officials he is fatigued and worn out but management remains sceptical.
Wests Tigers forward Ryan Matterson has requested a leave from training for remainder of 2019 season due to personal reasons. Club has granted request
— Dean Ritchie (@BulldogRitchie) September 19, 2019
Some Wests Tigers officials are confused over Matterson’s behaviour but believe the crux of the drama surrounds his contract.
Wests Tigers admire Matterson’s football ability and want him to fulfil his three-year deal but his management met club officials last week seeking permission to negotiate with rival clubs.
However the club, under strict head coach Michael Maguire, won’t tolerate a player who refuses to buy into the Tigers’ culture. If Matterson isn’t committed, say club officials, he can leave.
Wests Tigers issued a statement which read: “Wests Tigers forward Ryan Matterson has requested a leave from training for the remainder of the 2019 season due to personal reasons.
“Wests Tigers have granted this request. The club will be making no further comment at this time”.
The Daily Telegraph has been told Matterson’s contract is worth around $350,000 a year but he could attract offers of around $550,000 per season from rival clubs.
Matterson — part of an extended NSW State of Origin squad this year — hasn’t been sighted at training since Monday. There has been conjecture about the working relationship between Matterson and Maguire.
Parramatta, Canterbury and Newcastle have been linked to Matterson but none have made any formal approaches just yet. The Bulldogs have had what has been described as a “nibble” at Matterson.
LISTEN! Matty, Finchy and Kenty address “Pokies-gate” and the Broncos self-combustion, Joey Leilua’s fireworks mishap, and how Wayne Bennett and Des Hasler know exactly how to get the best out of their individuals. PLUS, the Roosters had a sleepover at the SCG?!
Tigers signed Matterson this year on an inflated contract from what he was earning at his previous club, Sydney Roosters.
Matterson’s manager, Gavin Orr, said earlier this week his client was sick and had not trained on doctor’s orders.
After missing the finals this season, Maguire ordered his players to continue training up until NRL grand final on October 6.
Wests Tigers are looking to free up some salary cap space to possibly upgrade Matterson and re-sign stalwarts Benji Marshall and Chris Lawrence, players who digest the club’s culture.
Originally published as Wests Tigers tire of Ryan Matterson — and rivals are circling