Eels Coach Held Responsible for $4,000 Fine Controversy

The decision made by Ryan Matterson, the star player of Eels, to accept a three-game suspension instead of a fine, is now being heavily criticized. This decision has hit the team hard, as they are already missing four of their backrowers from last year's grand final side, and they have lost their opening two games of the current season. Coach Brad Arthur is without Matterson (suspended), Shaun Lane (jaw), Isaiah Papali’i (Wests Tigers), and Marata Niukore (Warriors), and it will take another week before any changes are made.The only player whose omission was avoidable was Matterson, who took a three-game ban instead of paying a $4000 fine for a crusher tackle in the grand final. The Eels have already lost to the Storm and Sharks and have upcoming matches against the Sea Eagles, Panthers, and Roosters, with an 0-5 start to the season becoming a distinct possibility. Paul Kent expressed disappointment with Matterson's decision, stating that it was a "dud decision," and that it has "really bitten the Eels" as they are already struggling with injuries and are in desperate need of their players. However, Paul Crawley was unsympathetic to the team and suggested that Arthur should have intervened and forced Matterson to pay the fine instead of taking the suspension.Kent pointed out that Matterson would not have known the team's upcoming schedule when he made his decision, but agreed that the decision was a mistake. Braith Anasta also chimed in, stating that he could not understand why Matterson would make such a decision, as paying the fine was a small price to pay for securing wins for his teammates.