Ryan Matterson
A powerful and versatile forward whose career has been defined by hard-running intensity and high-profile club moves in the NRL.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Australian rugby league footballer·Birthday: October 13·Millennials
Biography
Ryan Matterson carved his path in rugby league with a blend of size, skill, and an engine that rarely quits. Emerging from the Sydney Roosters system, he made his NRL debut in 2015 and soon established himself as a formidable edge forward. His game is built on a high work rate, featuring strong hit-ups, deft offloads, and a surprising level of ball-playing ability for a big man. A move to the Parramatta Eels in 2020 marked a significant chapter, where he became a central figure in their pack. His career, however, hasn't been without controversy, including notable contract disputes and suspensions that have tested his resilience. On his day, Matterson represents the modern forward: mobile, involved, and capable of shifting a game's momentum through pure physical effort.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ryan was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ryan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Ryan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won an NRL premiership with the Sydney Roosters in 2018.
- Represented the New South Wales Blues in the State of Origin series in 2019.
- Played over 150 NRL games for clubs including the Roosters, Wests Tigers, and Parramatta Eels.
- Was named in the Prime Minister's XIII team in 2019.
Did You Know?
His father, John Matterson, also played professional rugby league in Australia.
He played his junior rugby league for the Asquith Magpies.
Matterson has a reputation for being an avid reader off the field.
He was educated at St. Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, a noted rugby league nursery.
“You have to be willing to do the tough stuff, the one-percenters, to get the win.”
