Dean Matterson declared his selection in the Manly Sea Eagles team to make his NRL debut last Tuesday as the ‘greatest day of his life’.
That was, until Saturday night, when the 25-year-old utility crossed the line for a memorable try against the Nth Qld Cowboys in front of over 13,000 fans at 4 Pines Park
“This has definitely topped it. That’s what dreams are made of,’’ Matterson said, who has toiled away in the NSW Cup for the past five seasons and has been a standout for Blacktown Workers this year.
“It was my dream (to play NRL) and it’s come true. I got a try. I wish we got the win. That was very special.”
With a large contingent of family and friends in the crowd, including his NRL brother Ryan (Parramatta Eels), Manly Coach Anthony Seibold brought the versatile Matterson into the game at right centre in the 11th minute after full-back Reuben Garrick left the field for a HIA.
Four minutes later, Matterson crossed for his try after a 'gift’ pass from second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu off a Jason Saab flick pass from a bomb.
“I ended up in the right place at the right time. Haumole set me up with a beauty, ’’ Matterson said.
Nine minutes later, Garrick returned to the game. As Matterson left the field to a huge round of applause, he was embraced on the fence by his excited older brother Ryan.
“I couldn’t hear anything. I just had tunnel vision. I saw Ryan come down from the stands in his bright white shirt. Ryan always has something good to say and is so helpful, so I stopped for a chat and a hug.
“Ryan said at my jersey presentation (on Friday) that this was his proudest moment. My proudest moment is probably some of his achievements, that’s the close bond we share.
“My journey hasn’t obviously been as quick or successful as Ryan’s but I wouldn’t have it any other way to be honest. The long rout has moulded me into the player and person that I am.
“I’ve obviously had to install some hard work ethics and some strong mindset to get here.
“It’s funny, I wasn’t that nervous today. I was more nervous about the jersey presentation. Once that was done, I felt like I was 20 kilos lighter.
“I put all my faith in God and I knew he steer me in the right direction, and keep me healthy and safe. I was very grateful to have all my family here watching.”
Following full-time, the Matterson family embraced Dean in an emotional and special photo that included 'Matto's good Sea Eagles team-mate, Gordon Chan Kum Tong.
Proud Dad, Paul Matterson, is often stopped by fans for photos, who confuse him for Brad Arthur, such is his uncanny resemblance to the Eels Coach.
“Dean's my brother, my best mate, we’re business partners, we live together…our whole life is basically just sharing the same things,’’ Ryan said.
“To be here at Brookvale for his NRL debut, it means so much. I’ve been excited all week for Dean. My nerves kicked in when he ran out but once he went into the game and made that first tackle, the try saver, I was so stoked.
“When he scored, I was just cheering my lungs out.”’
With two NRL players now in the Matterson family, Ryan joked it could be tough for their parents to choose a team should the brothers clash down the track.
“Mum might have to get one of those half Parra/half Manly jerseys made,’’ Ryan laughed.
“This is just been a massive week for Dean and our family. We’re all so proud of him.”
