The Mole: Dolphins poised to land off contract Eels star Ryan Matterson in huge coup
The Dolphins are poised to finally land a big fish in the shape of Parramatta Eels back-rower Ryan Matterson.
Named yesterday to make his Origin debut, Matterson is coming off contract at season's end and has been in hot demand for several months.
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At least five rival clubs have been chasing the big forward, while the Eels are desperate to retain him.
But Wide World of Sports has learned that Matterson has all but agreed to join the NRL's new franchise and will probably captain Wayne Bennett's Dolphins in their inaugural NRL season.
Ryan Matterson of the Eels is tipped to sign with the Dolphins Getty
His departure will be a disaster for the Eels, who have already lost forwards Isaiah Papali'i to the Tigers, Marata Niukore to the Warriors, Reed Mahoney to the Bulldogs and Ray Stone to the Dolphins for next season.
The Dolphins have been steadily signing players but Matterson is by far the biggest name they are set to attract.
Other players that have already joined the club are Felise Kaufusi, Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich (Storm), Stone (Parramatta), Valynce Te Whare (rugby union), Jamayne Isaako (Brisbane), Euan Aitken (Warriors), Tom Gilbert (Cowboys), Robert Jennings (Panthers), Edrick Lee (Knights), Connelly Lemuelu (Cowboys) and Mark Nicholls (South Sydney).
