Silent Eels star Ryan Matterson has learned that he will play in next month’s State of Origin opener.
The 27-year-old was named in the starting line-up of the Blues on Monday after being named in Brad Fitler’s New South Wales squad on Sunday, and was selected in the No. 17 jersey for the first game.
Matterson learned about his election during an interview with Nine’s NRL reporter Danica Mason, and he was skeptical when he heard the news.
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“Are you serious? Really playing? My man, Freddie, thank you,” he said initially.
The Ells star still needs to be more sure, Mason showed him the team list on his phone and after a while he got lost for the word.
“Right now, I’m just thinking about Mom, Dad and my brother, Dean,” he said.
“My brother actually shed tears last night when he found out I was in the squad, so if he knew I was actually playing, he would be on the moon.
“Wow, my jaw hurts from laughing. I’m so excited.”
Matterson and his Blues teammates will start the 2022 State of Origin series, with the opening match of the series taking place on Wednesday, June 8 at the Acre Stadium in Sydney.
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