Ryan Matterson concedes there’s “no excuse” for his decision to take a three match ban rather than pay a $4000 fine, but the Parramatta star has revealed for the first time how he came to the decision.
Matterson took the ban after being charged with a crusher tackle on Penrith’s Dylan Edwards in the 2022 grand final.
It saw the 28-year-old sit out the first three matches of the 2023 season, and looked even worse after the Eels lost all three.
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The New South Wales forward has no conceded it was the wrong call, but detailed the reasons why he took the ban.
“In hindsight I wouldn’t have made the decision,” he explained.
“Unfortunately, I had to make a decision after a grand final loss. On the Tuesday I had to make the decision I was working with a disability [group]. When I made the decision I thought the trial matches were going to be included.
“There were a few phone calls, but there was no excuse. I did try to rectify the decision and go back to the NRL at the time, but it was too late. That’s something I’ve got to deal with. I’m moving on now that I’m back playing. In hindsight I wouldn’t have made the decision, but I’m so glad it’s all over.”
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Matterson’s decision drew criticism from many former players, with Mark Geyer saying the “optics of it don’t look really good.”
But according to Matterson, the Eels have moved on.
“I’ve had a tremendous amount of support from my teammates and it hasn’t been a big talking point here,” he said.
“Everyone knows what’s been going on behind closed doors here. I play my hardest for these boys and they do the same for me.”
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