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.’
Matterson said protecting his long-term health ultimately left him with no choice but to leave the sport that had shaped much of his life.
‘Eventually, you have to make the hardest decision of your life and walk away from the thing you love, in order to protect the life you have ahead of you,’ he wrote.
‘Rugby league was my childhood dream. I was incredibly lucky and privileged to live it for more than a decade. I gave everything I had to this game, and it gave me memories, friendships, lessons and experiences I will carry forever.’
The forward thanked his family, teammates, coaches, friends and supporters before admitting: ‘This decision hasn’t come easy and it hurts.’
Matterson finished with 189 first-grade appearances, including 181 NRL games across spells with the Sydney Roosters, Wests Tigers and Parramatta, as well as eight matches for Warrington.
He won the 2018 premiership with the Roosters, represented NSW during the 2022 State of Origin series and later played in Parramatta’s grand final loss to Penrith that same year.
The former Roosters, Tigers and Eels forward said leaving rugby league was the hardest decision of his life
Fans flooded Matterson’s retirement announcement with supportive messages while lamenting a career cut short
Footy fans have taken to social media to offer tributes to a career cut short.
‘Sad to read health issues curtailing Ryan’s career. I wish him the best for his future,’ one posted.
‘Poor old Matto. Always a Rooster to me. I liked him,’ added another.
‘Sadly never reached his full potential,’ posted another.
Matterson joins a growing list of NRL players whose careers have ended because of concussion.
Wests Tigers forward Liam Fulton retired immediately in 2014 after repeated concussions caused memory loss and confusion.
Penrith’s Nigel Plum followed in 2015 after a long history of concussions prompted continuing concerns about his health.
Newcastle winger James McManus retired in 2016 on medical advice after experiencing persistent symptoms from repeated concussions.
Jake Friend retired on medical advice in 2021 after suffering more than 20 concussions during his decorated NRL career
Boyd Cordner medically retired in 2021 following repeated concussions and an extended absence from the game
Sydney Roosters forward Eloni Vunakece was forced to retire in 2018 following a series of concussions.
Newcastle’s Tim Glasby ended his career in 2020 after suffering persistent headaches, sensitivity to light and noise, motion sickness and other concussion symptoms.
Roosters great Jake Friend retired on medical advice in 2021 after reportedly sustaining more than 20 concussions, including three within six months.
His Roosters teammate Boyd Cordner medically retired later that year following repeated concussions and an extended absence from the game.
Parramatta forward Keegan Hipgrave also retired in 2021, aged just 24, after receiving medical advice following another concussion late that season.
Eels forward Andrew Davey retired in 2023 on medical advice after suffering several concussions during the year.
Cronulla co-captain Dale Finucane ended his decorated career in 2024 after neurological and neuropsychological specialists advised him to stop playing because of his concussion history.
St George Illawarra forward Tom Eisenhuth retired in 2025 after symptoms from a pre-season concussion returned during his comeback through the NSW Cup.
Manly hooker Lachlan Croker medically retired later that year following multiple concussions and prolonged symptoms caused by a head knock at training.
