Eels coach Brad Arthur confirms forward Ryan Matterson won't be part of top 17 against Newcastle

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has confirmed forward Ryan Matterson has been left out of the Eels' 17 for tomorrow's must-win clash against the Knights.

Tomorrow's do-or-die final is the first game Matterson will be available for the Eels after having served a three-week suspension for a shoulder charge on Manly's Brad Parker.

The 26-year-old, who back in 2019 was called into Origin camp for the Blues, is considered to be one of the game's top back-rowers but has instead been named as 18th man this week.

Arthur said he opted to stick with the same formula that broke the Melbourne Storm's record-breaking win streak two weeks ago.

"It is (a big call), but there was a pack of forwards that went out there against Melbourne and mixed it with the best and did the job," Arthur said.

"And I feel like I need to give them the opportunity to get the job done again."

The Eels coach said he took into account last year's week two finals loss to South Sydney, where Parramatta's 17 had a number of fresh faces.

"That's what I think is best this week for the team," Arthur said.

"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."