Arthur faces big selection dilemma

PARRAMATTA coach Brad Arthur has a huge selection call to make in the countdown to Saturday’s sudden death clash against arch rivals Penrith as star backrower Ryan Matterson fights for a recall.

Matterson hasn’t played since copping a three-match suspension in round 22 and while he was available to play against Newcastle, he ended up being a surprise omission from the squad altogether.

It is understood he had a couple of minor niggling injuries but no different from what most players are dealing with at this stage of the season.

The coach however decided to stick with Marata Niukore as the right-edge backrower, given how he played in the Eels’ shock round 24 win against Melbourne. What was an even bigger shock though was that Matterson (pictured) couldn’t even win a place on the bench.

Arthur instead went for Bryce Cartwright and 28-year-old NRL rookie Makahesi Makatoa ahead of the player who is on a reported $470,000 a season.

This is where the issue has pricked interest from rival clubs.

Matterson has taken up a player option to stay at the Eels next season, but how this pans out might tell another story. Niuokore has played centres, back row and the middle this year as the Eels’ Mr Fix It. He is also the target of rival clubs given he is free to start negotiating for 2023 come November 1.

Arthur told the media last week the decision not to play Matterson came down to the fact he hadn’t played in recent weeks.

“Matto’s been out for a month … We weren’t ready last year in that second final – we had three or four players that hadn’t played for two months and that was unfair on them.”

Another week later Matterson still hasn’t played, but it would be an even bigger call to leave him out of the team to tackle Penrith with the season well and truly on the line.