LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Dean Matterson, a utility player for the Manly Sea Eagles, is departing the club as he seeks a new opportunity. As one of seven uncontracted players at the Sea Eagles for the upcoming season, he has chosen to sign with Albi Rugby League for the 2025-26 season. The team competes in France's Super XIII competition, formerly known as the Elite One Championship.
Dean, the younger brother of Ryan Matterson, began his career as a five-eighth before shifting to the back-row position. He played seven first-grade matches but has not participated in the NRL for the last two seasons. This year, he mainly featured in the NSW Cup, where at 27 years old, he recorded three tries, averaged 77 running meters per game, and completed 279 tackles during his reserve-grade appearances for the Sea Eagles.
"A bolt from the blue for Albi Rugby League!" a statement from the club, translated from French, exclaimed.
"We are proud to announce the arrival of Dean Matterson, a player from the prestigious NRL, who joins the Tigers with a very high-level background and an already well-established reputation.
"Versatile, capable of playing in the second row, the third row, but also at fly-half, Dean is that rare type of player who can turn a match with a single play... or take control of the game when his team needs it."