NSW Origin star snubs Wayne Bennett with new $2.4m deal

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has lost another one with a NSW State of Origin star reportedly agreeing to a rich new contract.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett. Photo Steve Pohlner.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has lost another one with Ryan Matterson reportedly agreeing to a new contract extension with Parramatta.

The NSW State of Origin star was one of Bennett’s highest profile targets left, but he is instead set to sign a new four-year extension with the Eels that will lock him in blue and gold until the end of the 2026 season.

The Courier-Mail first reported the deal is worth more than $2.4 million.

According to reports earlier this month, Matterson was offered more money by the Dolphins and even toured the 17th NRL franchise’s facilities in Brisbane.

Despite all that, another one has escaped Bennett’s clutches.

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Despite confident public comments from coach Brad Arthur, the Eels were reportedly preparing to chase Roosters star Angus Crichton if Matterson left the club.

Ryan Matterson had several options. NRL PHOTOS.

Matterson is a crucial re-signing for the Eels with the club already set to lose forwards Isaiah Papali’i (Tigers), Marata Niukore (Warriors), Oregon Kaufusi (Cronulla) and Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs).

Out of form Origin star Nathan Brown has also been given permission to look for a new club after he was dropped from their 17 earlier this month.

Although Brown is contracted until the end of the 2023, his management reached out to test the waters for a possible extension but was told he could look for a new club.

The Eels would reportedly be willing to grant an early release if he was able to land a new deal.

It’s a rapid fall from grace for Brown, who played two State of Origin matches for NSW in the season-ending 2020 series.

Wayne Bennett isn’t looking desperate. Photo Steve Pohlner.

But Brown’s form has suffered in 2022 and he has started off the bench in the past three games as the Eels have tried Origin debutant Ryan Matterson and reigning second rower of the year Isaiah Papali’I in the lock position.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, are beginning to look in real trouble.

The club has missed out on almost every high-profile player they have chased, including Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga.

The Dolphins’ biggest signings so far have been Maroons forwards Jarrod Wallace, Felise Kaufusi as well as Titans fullback Jamayne Isaako and Queensland speedster Edrick Lee.