sport news $2.4MILLION Parramatta Eels star claims he can't afford a $4000 fine from NRL ... trends now
Parramatta star Ryan Matterson inked a four-year, $2.4million contract extension in June with the Eels - but has refused to part with $4000 as a matter of principle.
The backrower, 27, was fined for a grade one crusher tackle from the NRL grand final on Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards - and faced with the prospect of the monetary penalty or a three-game ban starting in 2023, he chose to sit out the start of next season.
Matterson stated he has the support of the club for his controversial decision - but the same can't be said for furious Parramatta supporters.
NRL great Mark Geyer also felt Matterson's stance 'looks like he loves his money a bit too much.'
'He's on about $600,000-a-year. To miss three games of footy for $4,000, I don't get it,' he told Triple M.
'That doesn't say much about his passion to play for the Eels. They could be 0-3 to start, the Eels, after three games, who knows, they need every man on deck.
Parramatta star Ryan Matterson inked a four-year, $2.4million contract extension in June with the Eels - but has refused to part with $4000 as a matter of principle
Matterson was fined $4000 for a grade one crusher tackle on Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards (pictured) - faced with the prospect of the monetary penalty or a three-game ban starting in 2023, he chose to sit out the start of next season
'The optics of it don't look really good.'
Matterson wasn't fussed about external criticism, insisting the on-field penalty for the tackle on Edwards was sufficient.
He also called out for the NRL after Penrith pivot Jarome Luai appeared to kick out at Eels star Isaiah Papali'i in the first half of the decider - yet was cleared by the match committee.
'I just feel that $4000 is pretty hefty considering I have already paid close to $4000 in (other) fines this year for things (grade one offences) that are absurd,' Matterson
