Eels forward Ryan Matterson will head overseas for the remainder of the season, joining the Sam Burgess-coached Warrington Wolves on a loan deal.
The 30-year-old former NSW Blues star has barely been sighted in Jason Ryles’ first grade team this season, spending the majority of time in reserve grade or injured.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the club had granted Matterson permission to negotiate with rival clubs earlier in the year, but he was unable to find an NRL suitor.
Matterson will now head to the Super League for a brief stint as confirmed by the club, but still has a year to run on his contract with the Eels worth an estimated $700,000.
“This is an opportunity for Ryan to explore new challenges and broaden his professional experience in the English Super League,” general manager Mark O’Neill said.
Matterson will be entitled to return next season if he doesn’t find a home elsewhere.
A premiership winner with the Roosters earlier in his career, Matterson has played 181 first grade matches across a variety of positions.
He will be a welcome addition to the Warrington squad, who have struggled in the main competition this year under Burgess, but did make the Challenge Cup final.
The news comes as reports from the Herald revealed rookie fullback Isaiah Iongi will miss the rest of the season due to a broken hand.
Iongi has been a revelation in the No.1 jumper and is among the favourites for Dally M Rookie of the Year honours alongside Leka Halasima and Mark Nawaqanitawase.
