Matterson returns to Eels on three-year contract

Ryan Matterson has sealed the deal to return to Parramatta on a three-year deal, ending the messy saga that led to him being released from the Wests Tigers after less than 12 months at the club.

NRL.com understands Matterson has agreed to an estimated $1.5 million Eels deal, with an option for the third year, securing him until the end of 2022.

The 25-year-old returns to his junior club after stints at the Roosters and Tigers, the latter ending two weeks ago when Matterson was granted a release from his three-year contract.

His relationship with coach Michael Maguire was at the heart of Matterson exploring options elsewhere, having first signed with the joint-venture when Ivan Clearly was still coach in September, 2018.

Matterson's Parramatta move will also see him land a pay rise having emerged as a potential NSW Origin candidate having hit career-best form in 2019.

The prospect of a player swap with interested clubs St George Illawarra and the Gold Coast was considered by the Tigers prior to rubber-stamping Matterson's release.

But wanting to bring the matter to a head before November 1, the Tigers released Matterson to free up salary cap space in conjunction with Ben Matulino's medical retirement.

Matterson's move to Parramatta helps fill the void left in Brad Arthur's pack by the exits of Manu Ma'u (Hull FC), Tepai Moeroa (NSW Waratahs) and Tim Mannah (retirement).

The news follows a spate of Eels re-signings earlier in the week that saw Brad Takairangi, David Gower, Marata Niukore, Ray Stone and Andrew Davey extend their contracts.

Matterson is expected to report for pre-season training next month.

"It’s always great to see the return of a local Parramatta Eels junior. He’ll have a whole pre-season with the team and I know he’ll be an asset to our club next year," Eels coach Brad Arthur said.