Premiership-winning NRL player Ryan Matterson reveals he is retiring as fans lose it over sudden departure before he could ‘reach his potential’
Premiership-winning forward Ryan Matterson has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league after worsening concussion symptoms forced him to walk away at just 31.
The former NSW State of Origin representative confirmed the heartbreaking decision on Sunday, bringing his 11-year first-grade career to a premature end before some supporters believed he had fully reached his potential.
Matterson had not played this season after suffering another concussion during Parramatta’s pre-season.
He previously revealed he had experienced headaches and episodes of blurred vision.
His final appearance came while on loan with English Super League club Warrington Wolves in September 2025. He remained contracted to the Eels for the rest of 2026.
‘The hardest part about chasing a dream is accepting when it’s time to let it go,’ Matterson wrote on Instagram. ‘Today, I’m announcing my medical retirement from rugby league.’
Ryan Matterson announced his medical retirement at 31 after his ongoing concussion symptoms continued to worsen
Matterson’s final rugby league appearance came during his loan spell with Warrington in September last year
‘For many years, I’ve battled the effects of concussion and the symptoms that have come with it. I’ve tried to push through, manage it and keep doing what I love.’
‘But over time, the symptoms have become harder to live with and unfortunately, they’ve continued to get worse.’
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