NRL 2023: Inside story of Parramatta’s five failed bids to overturn Ryan Matterson ban decision
Parramatta made five attempts to reverse Ryan Matterson’s bizarre decision to accept a three-game ban over a $4000 fine - but the Eels forward had unwittingly sealed his fate.
Dean Ritchie
It might not be the only time the Eels go 0-5 this season.
Parramatta tried and failed five times to backflip on Ryan Matterson’s bizarre decision to accept a three-game ban over a $4000 fine, with revelations the back-row star’s own comments helped cement his fate.
Matterson has been named to return to Parramatta’s line-up in their grand final rematch against Penrith on Thursday night after watching his teammates struggle to a winless start to the NRL season
.The Eels’ premiership hopes go on the line against the Panthers in round 4 because the only team that has started the season 0-3 and won the comp in the NRL era was the Cowboys in 2015.
Things don’t get any easier next week when they face the Sydney Roosters.
Ryan Matterson will play for the first time since the grand final. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the five different ways the Eels attempted to overturn Matterson’s decision to accept a ban for his grand final crusher tackle.
However, the NRL code states when a player determines his plea, and a penalty is applied, there is no legal avenue for the matter to be reopened.
Matterson was granted an extension to enter his plea. A hearing was offered before a result was reached but Parramatta declined.
“If a player, after receiving a notice of charge, elects within the meaning of Rule 57 to: (a) Plead guilty to the offence and accept the grading, he shall be allocated the ‘Early Plea’ penalty for the offence provided for under the Second Schedule and, subject only to Rules 47E and 47G, the proceedings will thereby be concluded,” the code reads.
It’s claimed Matterson was suffering from concussion and had been enjoying post-grand final beers when he made his decision.
While acknowledging that may be the case, the NRL was legally unable to change Matterson’s plea.
The Daily Telegraph has been told Parramatta management – through barrister Stephen Stanton - lodged an application to revisit Matterson’s decision.
Eels chairman Sean McElduff and general manager of football, Mark O’Neill, attempted to meet with NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and ARLC chairman Peter V’landys over the matter. However, they were unable to intervene given the judiciary is independent.
Parramatta also sought to meet with judiciary chairman, Geoff Bellew, who rejected the application.
After being charged, Matterson gave reasons behind his decision to accept a suspension over a fine, which NRL insiders say show the back-rower reached a clear decision.
“I just feel that $4000 is pretty hefty considering I have already paid close to $4000 in fines this year for things that are absurd,” Matterson said.
“At the end of the day I have personal things I need to worry about outside of rugby league. I just didn’t think it was warranted. If you do something wrong at work they don’t take money off you. I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m playing rugby league.”
Matterson and Parramatta incorrectly thought trial matches may be included in the three-game suspension.
Privately, Parramatta felt Matterson wasn’t given natural justice, something the NRL quickly denied.
IN DEFENCE OF THEIR TEAMMATE