NRL Scout: No show at training — the new twist in star forward’s standoff with Tigers
WESTS TIGERS
- September 19, 2019 1:54pm
- by GEORGE CLARKE AND SIMON BRUNSDON
- Source: FOX SPORTS
Ryan Matterson’s future at the Wests Tigers is in doubt. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Ryan Matterson’s standoff with the Wests Tigers has taken an intriguing turn this week, with the star forward failing to turn up to training over the past few days.
Less than a week ago, reports emerged that the former Rooster was being targeted by rival clubs and that he was in the hunt for an upgrade.
Possibly the Tigers’ best performer in 2019, Matterson is said to be on $350,000 but such is his form he could easily increase his salary by as much as 50 per cent.
And mystery now surrounds this latest development, and it remains to be seen whether the 24-year-old is attempting to make a statement or not.
When
foxsports.com.au asked Matterson’s agent Gavin Orr if the Tigers lock had failed to show up to training, he responded: “No he’s crook and has doctor’s orders to be off training.”
The club insist he was there on Monday.
Either way, it doesn’t look good, and will have other Tigers squad members questioning the player’s commitment to the cause.
Michael Maguire had instructed the Tigers to train for the weeks following their defeat to Cronulla right up until the grand final.
However, RLPA rules stipulate players are only allowed to train for two weeks following their final game.
Matterson has not shown up since the players returned on Monday this week and this new development will fuel further speculation that he wants to leave Concord.
One way in which Matterson could stay with the club on improved terms is the ongoing situation with Ben Matulino.
The Kiwi international played 13 games this year, but since a knee injury in Round 14 has not been seen in Tigers colours.
Such was the severity of the injury, there was talk the club might look to medically retire him.
It is understood that the club have now lodged paperwork with the NRL to do just that.
In doing so, the Tigers can free up significant cap space to the tune of $800,000, which would allow them to re-sign club favourites Benji Marshall and Chris Lawrence who are both off-contract.
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