Parramatta forward Ryan Matterson has knocked back a $4000 fine offered for the crusher tackle he made in the NRL grand final and will instead miss the first three games of the 2023 season.
The NRL amended its judiciary code in June to reduce the likelihood of players facing bans for minor offences committed in finals and representative matches.
In the regular season, players can only accept a financial penalty for their first two grade-one offences but the judiciary changes mean players can now take a fine the third time around as well.
Early in the first half of the Eels' 28-12 grand final loss to Penrith, Matterson made a crusher tackle on Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards and was subsequently charged for a third time this year.
But the Eels lock has chosen to serve a suspension across the first three weeks of next season rather than face the monetary penalty.
That will come as a significant hit to the Eels, who have lost fellow back-rowers Isaiah Papali'i and Marata Niukore to the Wests Tigers and Warriors respectively.
Matterson would likely become a starting player on their roster, but they will now be without him as they start the season, with bans unable to be served in trial matches.
The NRL has yet to release the draw for 2023 so Matterson's decision was made without knowing who the Eels will face in the games he is missing.
Matterson was the only player charged out of the grand final, which marked Parramatta's first appearance in the decider since 2009.
