Eels release Matterson to join Sam Burgess’ Wolves; Koroisau extends Tigers’ stay
The Parramatta Eels have released out-of-favour back-rower Ryan Matterson from his contract for the remainder of the season.
Matterson, a former NSW Origin representative who has spent the majority of the season either in NSW Cup or in the club’s injury ward, will depart the club immediately to join English club Warrington Wolves on a loan deal for the rest of the Super League season.
The 30-year-old still has one more year to run on his deal with the Eels, worth around $700,000 in 2026.
Under the agreement of the loan deal, Matterson is entitled to return to Parramatta next year if he chooses against pursuing opportunities elsewhere.
The Eels had given him permission to negotiate with rival clubs, but his management hasn’t been able to land him a contract in the NRL.
Wolves coach Sam Burgess, however, has agreed to a deal with Matterson for the remainder of the competition as he looks to improve on his side’s current standing in eighth position on the ladder.
It’s a similar deal to what the Wests Tigers agreed to with the Wolves last year when the out-of-favour Bateman departed for the Super League mid-season.
The deal helped the Tigers pay less on the salary cap and ultimately led to Bateman choosing to continue his career at the North Queensland Cowboys instead of returning to play at the Tigers under coach Benji Marshall.
The Eels are privately hopeful Matterson can find a deal elsewhere in 2026 as the realisation that he is not part of coach Jason Ryles’ plans sinks in. Matterson has played just four games of NRL off the bench for the Eels this season.
Eels young gun Iongi set to miss next month with broken hand
The Parramatta Eels have been dealt a blow with rookie-of-the-year contender Isaiah Iongi expected to miss the next month with a broken hand.
The Eels were set to be boosted by the return of halfback Mitchell Moses, but the positive news has been offset by the disappointment of their fullback being sidelined.
Iongi suffered the broken hand in the opening half of his team’s 40-16 loss to Canberra over the weekend.
The 22-year-old played close to 65 minutes with the broken hand, finishing the game despite the injury.
Joash Papalii has been playing in the halves but is the club’s back-up fullback. It could open the door for Dylan Brown to return to the team in the halves however coach Jason Ryles has previously stated his desire to plan for the future.
Under the agreement of the loan deal, Matterson is entitled to return to Parramatta next year if he chooses against pursuing opportunities elsewhere.
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