Reportedly the contract is worth $600,000-a-season.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett and recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan were both asked if they’d consider making it a four-year deal. They agreed, but ultimately Matterson stayed with the Eels.

However, according to 9news Sydney and The Sydney Morning Herald’s Michael Chammas, the forward is on the outer now.

“Nothing’s happened as yet, but the conversation has occurred with his management to give him basically a little tap on the shoulder that, if there’s anything out there, it might be worth having a look around,” he said on Nine’s 100% Footy.

Matterson could start a domino effect for the Eels as Ryles looks to clean up an underachieving roster, with Parramatta going from a grand final two years ago, to battling it out to avoid the wooden spoon.