Parramatta forward Ryan Matterson says he’s ready for State of Origin call-up

There are injuries galore among the potential NSW Origin players and one Parramatta star is ready to step up.

Eels forward Ryan Matterson would love to make his mark on the big stage. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

State of Origin hopeful Ryan Matterson knows better than most why coach Brad Fittler only puts his selections in pencil.

Three years after he was supposed to make his NSW debut, the versatile Eels forward is on the cusp of earning selection for the series opener as the Blues look to new talent to cover an injury list that seemingly grows each week.

Star centres Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell are both out, as is reliable middle forward Dale Finucane. Hopefuls Victor Radley and Ryan Papenhuyzen are also sidelined, while Cam Murray is racing the clock to be fit.

That opens the door for someone like Matterson to come into the side for the first game in Sydney on June 8.

“You need to be able to cover (injuries, HIA and sin bins), so that will definitely work in his favour,” Fittler said after he saw Matterson run riot in Parramatta’s thrilling win over Manly.

“At the moment there’s a bit of a puzzle, so we’re just sitting back and sticking with a pencil.”

Matterson said he hadn’t spoken to Fittler about selection, but he recalled one of his most recent chats in 2019 when he was told that he’d be promoted from 18th man and into the starting side for game two of that series in Perth.

“There was one game where Freddy actually tapped me on the shoulder on game day because Tyson Frizell hurt his neck,” Matterson said in the CommBank Stadium sheds.

“He goes, ‘Matto, you’re playing’, so I remember calling mum and dad saying, ‘I might be playing’. It was in Perth so they were wondering if they should fly, but I told them they wouldn’t get there.

“I warmed up thinking that I was playing but then Frizell ended up doing an awesome job getting his neck right. He ended up taking the field and he had an absolute blinder.”

Ryan Matterson celebrates scoring against the Sydney Roosters. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

The hectic few hours had a number of problems, including finding it nearly impossible to source Asics boots in a city that is all about AFL.

“I was kind of stressing because I needed boots,” he said.

“I also rolled my ankle the day before, so the whole day I was just getting physio on my ankle because I thought I was playing. I was going to do whatever it took because obviously in the Origin arena, the adrenaline pumps you up and you want to play.

“It was good to be close, but what can you do?

“I haven’t spoken to Freddy and I don’t think I’m in a position to do so. I’m just here playing my best football for Parramatta.

“That’s up to Freddy and what he wants to choose. I think it’s every kid’s dream to put on a Blues jersey, so I’d be excited if I got the call-up.”

Matterson can pass too. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Matterson is off-contract at the end of the year but a big deal can’t be far away if he maintains this form.

He’s put contract talk in the hands of his manager, and his decision to focus solely on improving his game has him ready for higher honours.

“I think I’ve felt ready for a while (for Origin),” Matterson said.

“Opportunities arise, and obviously Freddy chooses his best 17. NSW have done well with all the series and when the side’s not losing, you can’t really change it. Sometimes you’ve just got to bide your time and think club football first.”