Having returned to NRL side Parramatta Eels following a brief loan spell with The Wire at the end of 2025, Matterson has been unable to play at all this season as he battled with ongoing concussion symptoms.
And in an Instagram post announcing his decision to step away from the game, he admitted said symptoms had become “harder to live with” and left him with no choice but the call time on his career.
The last of his eight Warrington appearances during a 28-20 loss to Hull KR in Round 27 last year turned out to be the final game of his career after he had earlier played just shy of 200 NRL games for Paramatta, Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers.
“Today, I’m announcing my medical retirement from rugby league,” he wrote on his Instagram page.
“For many years, I’ve battled the effects of concussion and the symptoms that have come with it.
“I’ve tried to push through, manage it and keep doing what I love. But over time, the symptoms have become harder to live with and unfortunately, they’ve continued to get worse.
“Eventually, you have to make the hardest decision of your life and walk away from the thing you love, in order to protect the life you have ahead of you.
“Rugby league was my childhood dream. I was incredibly lucky and privileged to live it for more than a decade.
“I gave everything I had to this game, and it gave me memories, friendships, lessons and experiences I will carry forever.
“To my family, teammates, coaches, friends and everyone who has supported me, thank you.
“And to the fans, thank you for believing in me, supporting me and riding every high and low along the way. I’ll never be able to put into words what that has meant.
“This decision hasn’t come easy and it hurts.
“I’m incredibly excited for what comes next. I have a new purpose, new dreams and a new chapter to write.
“I have every intention of using all that professional sport has taught me to help other people chase their dreams and become the best version of themselves.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”