The falling out between Ryan Matterson and Wests coach Michael Maguire could see Matterson walk to Parramatta in what would be a heartbreaking result for the Tigers.
Matterson, who is unsettled at the club, is believed to have told those close to him that he will look to move on from the Tigers, with the appeal of a more lucrative contract elsewhere on the cards for the 18th-man Blues forward, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Both Maguire and Matterson have met to resolve their ongoing friction, but Matterson, who is rated by many as the Tigers' best player, could still see the door as the club continues to fail in offloading fellow out-of-favour players.
The Tigers face the concerning reality that Matterson could request a move elsewhere just days after the deflating loss that ruled them out of a finals spot, and the Eels could swoop on the 24-year-old.
A move to Parramatta would mark a return to the club for Matterson, who was released by the Eels while still being under contract, having failed to impress on his arrival. Matterson also had growing tensions with coach Brad Arthur, which saw the forward dropped as far as the Massey Cup.
Matterson has since proven his worth following his stint with the Roosters, carrying his promising form into his time with the Tigers.
While Matterson is yet to submit a request to move on from the Tigers, the club could be prepared for his departure with the likes of Josh Reynolds, Chris McQueen, Russell Packer and Ben Matulino all remaining with Wests.
Esan Marsters is also believed to be gifted the opportunity to exercise his options, although any early signs of an exit are yet to be seen.
The Bulldogs could follow suit in chasing the contract of Matterson, having missed out on key targets Apisai Koroisau, Jesse Ramien, Herman Ese'ese and Michael Jennings as the club continue their hunt for a big-name signing.
Jennings expressed his relief to sign on.
“Two more years, I think they’re just drawing up the contracts,” Jennings said.
“It’s good, I wanted to stay. I’m happy now, the club is settled here, my little bub is growing and the new training facilities [at Kellyville] will be just five minutes down the road.
“It’s perfect, everything is good and I’m happy.”
I imagine the convo went like this:
Matterson: ” I want to play finals footy”
Maguire: “That’s now how we do things here at the Tigers!!”
I’d imagine it was more like, ‘I’m the bestist player here & I’m going to hold my breath until you pay me more money’!
How about just seeing the contract that you signed out ? That would be unique.