After a handful of appearances and an injury-hit, stop-start 2025 campaign at the Parramatta Eels, veteran forward Ryan Matterson has opened up about the frustration that prompted him to accept a mid-season loan to England joining Warrington Wolves in the Super League for the remainder of the year.
Matterson’s departure was announced by Parramatta on July 22, 2025, when the club confirmed it had granted him an immediate release for the 2025 season so he could pursue the opportunity with Warrington.
The club made clear the move was designed to let Matterson “explore new challenges and broaden his professional experience in the English Super League”; the release sits alongside a broader roster refresh under new head coach Jason Ryles.
A season of few chances
The 31-year-old’s 2025 NRL season was defined by limited game time. Matterson managed just a handful of appearances — often from the bench — as younger forwards and reshaped combinations under Ryles were prioritised. That reduction in minutes, combined with niggling injury problems, left Matterson feeling as though his role at Parramatta had diminished and that he needed a change of scenery to rediscover enjoyment in his footy.
“I needed to enjoy my football again”
Speaking after his move, Matterson was candid about his motivations. He told media that the decision was partly about rediscovering the simple pleasure of playing: “I needed to enjoy my football again,” he said, describing the switch to Warrington as a short-term chance to reset, play more, and experience rugby league in a different environment. He added that he initially treated the move as a loan and a chance to focus on the short term while letting his agent handle longer-term discussions.
Warrington’s official announcement welcomed Matterson as a ready-made addition expected to “make a real impact and help drive the team towards the play-offs.” The club highlighted his versatility across the middle and edge — traits that appealed to Sam Burgess’ coaching lineup.
What the Eels said
Parramatta’s general manager of football, Mark O’Neill, framed the release as providing opportunity for Matterson while the Eels continue their roster evolution. The club underlined that Matterson remained contracted to Parramatta for 2026, even as they supported his short-term move to the Super League. The statement emphasised both the professional nature of the parting and the club’s commitment to promoting emerging forwards in their squad structure.
Super League: a fresh test
Matterson — a former NSW Origin representative and an experienced NRL campaigner — said Super League was “as strong as I expected,” and that adapting to the English competition’s tempo and physicality had been rewarding. He viewed the stint as more than just a way to chase minutes: it was an opportunity to challenge himself in a different rugby league culture, regain form, and put himself in a better position to weigh options for 2026.
Early reports from Warrington and Super League outlets pointed to Matterson slotting into a club eager for experienced forward depth as it pushed toward the finals window. Club staff and local media noted his professionalism and immediate willingness to contribute both on and off the park.
What comes next?
There are several possible pathways for Matterson after the loan runs out. Public statements confirm he remains contracted to Parramatta for 2026, which leaves the door open for a return — either to fight for a place under Ryles’ plans or to negotiate a permanent move elsewhere depending on where his performances and preferences take him. Matterson himself has avoided firm commitments, preferring to let short-term form and discussions between his representatives and clubs determine the longer-term outcome.
Why the move matters
Matterson’s mid-season switch underscores a broader dynamic in modern rugby league: established players facing reduced roles in evolving NRL squads increasingly see Super League as a viable route to regain form, visibility and enjoyment. For clubs, short-term loans are a pragmatic way to manage squad depth while giving players a pathway to meaningful minutes elsewhere. For Matterson, the gamble is pragmatic and personal — a bid to put himself back in situations where he can fully apply his experience and relish playing again.
