LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
There's a cloud hanging over Parramatta Eels forward Ryan Matterson, who has been named to suit up this weekend despite whispers of a rib injury.
The news, reported by The Sydney Morning Herald and circulating on zerotackle.com, suggests Matterson could be sidelined for up to a month with broken ribs.
With the Eels already out of the finals race and steering clear of the dreaded wooden spoon, the decision to include Matterson in the lineup for the upcoming clash against the Sydney Roosters raised a few eyebrows.
Interim coach Trent Barrett, however, seems unfazed by the injury concerns and has placed his faith in the gritty forward to take the field.
Matterson's future at the club has been a hot topic, with rumors swirling about a potential exit despite his contract running through next season.
Nevertheless, the determined lock is set to take on the Roosters in what promises to be a tough battle on the field.
Will Matterson rise to the occasion, or will his rib injury prove to be a hurdle too high to overcome? Only time will tell in this game of twists and turns.