An NRL debut and winning two end of season awards have capped off a remarkable year for Dean Matterson at Manly.
Matterson has been a shining light this season at Manly and for the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles, with his hard work and determination leading to an NRL debut in round 20 against the Nth Qld Cowboys at 4 Pines Park.
His efforts were rewarded at Manly’s presentation night on Monday, with the popular Matterson taking home the Ken Arthurson Rising Star award for Rookie of the Year, and also the Bob Batty Best and Fairest award for Blacktown’s best player in the NSW Cup.
Matterson got to share the moment with his proud father, Paul, who accompanied his son to the awards night.
Matterson's versatility to cover centre, five-eighth, lock and second-row made him an invaluable asset to the NRL and NSW Cup teams.
He finished 2023 with seven NRL games for Manly and 17 games in the NSW Cup, including a historic finals appearance for Blacktown.
It’s been some journey for Matterson to become an NRL player after beginning his NSW Cup career with the Wyong Roos in 2018.
However, after 10 games with the Roos, he was cut by their NRL feeder club, Sydney Roosters. It led to ‘Matto’ arriving at Blacktown Workers to play under friend and coach Steven Hales, now Manly’s NRL Skills Coach.
After scoring five tries in 16 games at Blacktown, Matterson spent the next three years at Mounties before having to make a decision on his footy career at the end of 2022.
“I had a choice to make for 2023. I could have headed to Parramatta to join (Eels player and older brother) Ryan or come to Manly and try to forge my own path,’’ Matterson said.
“Obviously, I would love to play alongside Ryan one day in the NRL, but I chose to do my own thing and the move has paid off.
"And I still live with Ryan, so I have the best of both worlds now.
Ever since I arrived at Manly, it’s been a bit of a domino effect in a good way
Dean Matterson on season 2023
“I’m just really lucky and blessed to play for such a good club with a group of great guys. They have all helped me to get to where I am now and I’m very grateful for that.
“The last few months have been crazy. It’s been the best time of my life.”
