‘Mate, you’re paying the fine’: Arthur blamed over Eels fiasco as star slammed for ‘dud’ $4000 call

Eels star Ryan Matterson’s decision to accept a three-game suspension over a fine smelt bad at the time, but now it stinks.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 02: Ryan Matterson of the Eels looks dejected during the 2022 NRL Grand Final match between the Penrith Panthers and the Parramatta Eels at Accor Stadium on October 02, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Eels star Ryan Matterson’s decision to accept a three-game suspension over a fine smelt bad at the time, but now it stinks.

Parramatta are struggling without four backrowers from last year’s grand final side and have lost their opening two games of the season.

Coach Brad Arthur is missing Matterson (suspended), Shaun Lane (jaw), Isaiah Papali’i (Wests Tigers) and Marata Niukore (Warriors) - and it’ll be another week before anything changes.

The only omission that was avoidable was Matterson, who inexplicably took a three-game ban instead of paying a $4000 for a crusher tackle in the grand final.

The Eels have already lost to the Storm and Sharks and next face the Sea Eagles, Panthers and Roosters, with an 0-5 start to the season a distinct possibility.

“It was a dud decision by Ryan Matterson,” Paul Kent said on NRL 360.

“The Parramatta Eels tried to address that and went back to the NRL and tried to get it reheard essentially to change his plea from a suspension to a fine.

“Unfortunately it has really bitten the Eels because they’ve got injuries, they’ve been down on troops and really needed him.”

Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Ryan Matterson and Eels coach Brad Arthur at training. Getty

But Paul Crawley had zero sympathy for the Eels and emphasised that Arthur should have intervened when he had the chance.

“Too bad, so sad,” Crawley said.

“Why didn’t the coach say ‘Mate you’re going to pay the fine and that’s the way it is, otherwise you can play reserve grade’

“He’s put them through a start to the season they didn’t need. It was always going to be a tough start if you looked at their draw and who they lost, they needed him on the field.”

Kent pointed out that Matterson wouldn’t have known the draw when he made the controversial call, but agreed the decision was a shocker.

“I honestly don’t believe there would be another NRL player, maybe one or two, who would have taken the suspension ahead of the fine,” Kent said.

“The fact we’re talking about it shows how unusual that was, most people were staggered by it and I think even Ryan Matterson once he got through the emotion of it all would have sat down and thought ‘what have I done’.”

Braith Anasta added: “I cannot comprehend it, I really can’t. It’s a small price to pay for securing a few wins for your teammates.”

Originally published as ‘Mate, you’re paying the fine’: Arthur blamed over Eels fiasco as star slammed for ‘dud’ $4000 call