Eels’ Matterson hits out over Storm’s failed Lomax bid
Melissa Woods and George Clarke |
Parramatta’s Ryan Matterson has taken aim at the “public narrative” surrounding Melbourne’s pursuit of Zac Lomax after the Eels forward became a bargaining chip in negotiations between the clubs.
Matterson’s NRL career is uncertain as he deals with concussion-related symptoms and will not play in Thursday’s season opener against the Storm at AAMI Park.
The former NSW State of Origin forward inadvertently became a pawn in Melbourne’s pursuit of Lomax following the winger’s failed move to breakaway rugby union competition R360.
The Eels would have entertained allowing Lomax to take up a deal with Melbourne provided the Storm took on Matterson’s contract.
Matterson felt as if he was portrayed as a stumbling block to that move happening, revealing he declined the chance to move to Melbourne.
In a lengthy statement released on his Instagram, Matterson claimed he was never formally consulted over a move to the Storm.
Matterson said he had less than 72 hours to make a call on his future over the weekend in the lead-up to Lomax’s court case, which was settled on Tuesday.
“It has been difficult to see the public narrative unfold in a way that suggests I was central to a process I was not part of,” Matterson wrote.
“I was not part of these negotiations. Yet, it seems I am the one being held responsible for the outcome.
“I was the last to know and the first to be blamed.”
Lomax will not be able to play in the NRL until 2028 given the Eels still hold first right of refusal over his next move as part of their court settlement.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy said on Wednesday he was disappointed legal action this week didn’t result in the winger landing at the Storm.
“He (Lomax) is a quality player, but even more than that, he’s a quality person and he would have fit in here really well,” Bellamy said.
“But more than anything else, we’re disappointed for him – I’m not quite sure what happens now with him.
“I think everyone in the game would like to see him stay in our game as he’s an Origin player and he’s played for Australia … to lose him to another code would be disappointing.”
The Storm’s failure to land Lomax has left Bellamy unable down on star power and unable to recall a time when his side was such an unknown quantity.
Bellamy’s incredible round one record is at major risk with the coach unbeaten since taking charge in 2003.
The departures of superstar fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen and giant prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona as well as injuries and suspensions mean a new-look side, particularly in the forwards.
Youngsters Cooper Clarke and Preston Conn are both in line to make their NRL debut from the bench.
Bellamy said he couldn’t remember when his Storm line-up was so untested.
“It would have been at some stage, but I think it’s a long time ago,” the coach said.
“There’s been a lot of big turnover in our squad – we’ve got a couple of new players in that haven’t played first grade at other clubs, but more than anything, we’re relying on our younger blokes.”
The Storm conceded more than 40 points to Gold Coast in their last pre-season match while the Eels won both games, with Mitch Moses partnering former Melbourne young gun Jonah Pezet in the halves.
Bellamy said he hoped his trademark blast following the heavy loss had made an impression on his troops.
“Sometimes you don’t really know until you get into the game … our trial form wasn’t great, so there’s a couple of things there that we need to really tidy up on and we’ve had a couple of weeks to do it,” he said.
“Our defence was really poor in the trial so that’s something we really need to pick up on.”
AAP