TIPS AND NEWS
Ryan Matterson will miss the Eels’ first three games of the season after a failed bid to change his three-game suspension to a fine.
Matterson was charged for a crusher tackle on Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards in last year’s grand final and faced either a three-game ban or a $4,000 fine.
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*Odds are current as of 31st January 2023, 4:03pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 31st January 2023, 4:03pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 31st January 2023, 4:03pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 31st January 2023, 4:03pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 31st January 2023, 4:03pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 31st January 2023, 4:03pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 31st January 2023, 4:03pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 31st January 2023, 4:03pm AEST
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Much to the surprise of fans, the Eels star opted for the suspension, saying at the time the fine was “pretty hefty considering I have already paid close to $4,000 in fines this year for things that are absurd.”
However the 28-year-old changed his stance in November and became willing to pay the fine.
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The Eels lodged an objection with the judiciary and then the NRL but AAP reported on Tuesday that the club has since accepted that Matterson will miss the first three games of 2023.
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In the Eels’ bid to change the suspension to the fine, the Eels reportedly argued that the deadline for Matterson’s plea was unfair.
He was charged on the morning after the grand final and only had 24 hours to respond. In those 24 hours, Matterson attended an Eels fan day and then spent the night with his teammates.
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The club believed Matterson would have made a different decision if he had more time.
But Eels officials were told it was not possible to change the suspension and the decision was final.
Matterson will miss clashes with the Storm, Sharks and Sea Eagles.
