This time last year Ryan Matterson was one of the game's top-level second-rowers. I may cop some blowback for this but he was riding high on the back of a second-straight massive season.
Unfortunately, his 2021 probably didn't live up to the expectations set by his previous two campaigns.
Injury and circumstances didn't help, but Matterson seemed just a step behind his former self.
Rumours have surfaced that the Eels are unwilling to offer Matterson an extension on his current deal. Given Parramatta's current salary cap setup, Matterson seems to have been ruled as surplus to requirements.
The fact that Matterson hasn't been re-signed, despite a mountain of transfer movements in Eels colours, suggests perhaps there is something to those reports.
Second-row
Tackles Made
Tries
Tackle Breaks
Either way, as it stands right now, he is off-contract at the end of 2022 and other clubs can talk to him.
I have no doubt in the world that he will be picked up. I expect multiple clubs to express interest.
Below are the five clubs I believe will leave that chase and provide his eventual landing spot:
I predicted in my 17 players the Dolphins should sign that Ryan Matterson would be on the club's radar. I still believe this will (or at least should) be the case.
Truthfully I'm shocked he hasn't been signed already to partner Kaufusi in the second row.
A rusted on first grader who has been linked to a spot in the New South Wales set up for many years now, Matterson isn't going to break the bank, while he will provide plenty on and off the field.
A Kaufusi/Matterson back row sets the tone. Two experienced players capable of both tackling themselves to a standstill as well as a game-breaking offload or line break.
The Fins are yet to name a huge money name. This time last year I considered Matterson a huge money name. Not so much anymore, which plays further into Wayne Bennett's hands.
Matterson's main criticism seems to be that he sees himself as better than he is. Bennett may be the coach to sit Matterson down and set him straight.
A fully focused, and hopefully fit, Matterson presents an incredible option for the fledgling club.
The literal second the stories came out that the Eels are unlikely to offer Matterson a contract, I expected the Dolphins to pounce.
Can you imagine this story unfolding?
For those who have forgotten, Matterson moved to the Tigers to play regular run-on Rugby League following a successful, title-winning stint at the Roosters.
He was their best forward by a long way, and I'd even argue their best player across the park.
The Tigers thought they had their first piece of the return to finals puzzle.
Then Matterson broke the collective hearts of Tigers fans by forcing a move away from the club. He would walk across town and sign with bitter rivals, the Eels.
Whether or not the Tigers would even consider him after what happened is up for debate. If I were a Tiger fan I'd be leaning on the club not to bother.
That said, Luciano Leilua is off to the Cowboys in 2023, while the incoming Papali'i has made it clear he wants to play as a middle. Alex Twal should shift back into prop.
This leaves a run on spot in the second row available that Matterson walks back into.
The Tigers aren't really in a position to play the "shunned" card but they do have some promising young talent.
Might be worth waiting but I absolutely love the potential story in this!
I know what you're thinking; the Sharks have Nikora and Graham in their second row and there's no way Matterson would surpass either for a starting spot.
Truthfully, right now, no Matterson doesn't make the Sharks' run-on side. However, with Britton Nikora off-contract and Wade Graham's ongoing issues with concussion, suddenly this makes sense.
Matterson needs a coach with authority. Someone strong enough to put player egos in check and provide direction and leadership by example.
Ryan Matterson needs Craig Fitzgibbon!
Whether or not Fitzgibbon needs Matterson is a completely other matter, but in terms of ability, Matterson presents a very capable option.
The Sharks are in a very good position salary cap wise now that Andrew Fifita's monster deal is expiring. They have plenty of money to play with and will be in no rush.
If Matterson is still available, I'd be shocked if Fitzgibbon doesn't at least have a look.
Matterson's 2021 season probably took away from his monster season prior. The Matterson of 2020 slots right into this Sharks outfit and plays with the aggression and no-nonsense work rate the club loves.
This just feels like a Craig Bellamy signing.
Matterson has undoubted talent. He's been a monster for two of the past three years, and I'd argue his 2021 season wasn't anywhere near as bad as it seems to be remembered.
If any coach, and set-up, could see Matterson take that next step in becoming an elite level forward, it's Bellamy and his Melbourne Storm.
I'm calling it now, if Matterson signs for Melbourne, he plays Origin.
With Kaufusi exiting the club at the end of 2022, a second-row spot becomes available. Matterson has similar abilities, whilst presenting a younger option to Kaufusi.
I'd be firmly behind this move for both club and player. Matterson would become the consistent star he should be, while Bellamy would deliver yet again.
It always feels like cheating when naming the entire Super League but he would walk into every ESL team in the competition.
As a Wigan fan, I would be more than happy to see Matterson head across the globe to run out for the Warriors.
At only 27, Matterson is still at the peak of his powers. I can't see him wanting to head to England just yet, but I'm sure there will be interest.
The salary cap in the Super League has taken a hit, while the import signing rules are being looked at. Both come due to the obvious circumstances across the globe.
Matterson's stature may price him out of the current ESL setup, but if everything returns to somewhat normal, Matterson instantly becomes a top-level forward anywhere across the competition.
Matterson needs an experienced and firm coach who can put everything aside to finally bring the very best out of him.
Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy are the two names who instantly come to mind.
I still see him landing at the Dolphins. They have the cap space, the need, and the setup to lure him north of the Tweed.
If Melbourne do show any interest though, and if I'm Matterson, I'm packing the jumpers and heading to wear purple in 2023.