Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur has been called out for not coming down hard on suspended back-rower Ryan Matterson over his decision to take a three-game ban over a $4000 fine in the wake of last year’s NRL grand final. The Eels have lost their first two games of the season, with injuries and key off-season departures severely limiting them at that position to start the season.
Big things were expected of the Eels after making last year’s grand final, but Matterson’s absence, combined with an injury to Shaun Lane and the departures of Isaiah Papali’i and Marata Niukore to Wests Tigers and the Warriors respectively, have left Parramatta searching for NRL depth. Losses to the Storm and Sharks in the opening two rounds risk being compounded into an 0-5 start with clashes with the Sea Eagles, Panthers and Roosters still to come.
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While preventing Shane Lane from copping a broken jaw and players moving clubs in the off-season can’t be helped, had Matterson simply taken the $4000 fine offered to him for his crusher tackle in the decider, the Eels would have had more firepower to throw at their first two opponents of the season. Instead, it’ll be another week before Matterson can rejoin the side, by which time the Eels could be in a serious hole.
