Injured Eel Ryan Matterson has woken up with a headache and sore jaw this morning, but been cleared of any major damage and hasn't given up hope of playing again next week.
The injury to Matterson – who was badly concussed in a tackle that was controversial due to the involvement of an elbow from Storm forward Felise Kaufusi – was the big talking point out of a five-star clash played in atrocious conditions.
Matterson appeared out cold following the incident, which saw Kaufusi placed on report and sent social media into overdrive, and was taken from the field in a groggy state. Kaufusi has today been charged with Grade Two dangerous contact by the NRL match review committee and faces a two-three week stint on the sidelines.
Matterson played no further part in the game, which the Eels won 16-12 in pelting rain on a sodden field, and will be assessed by medical staff in coming days.
"He was in a pretty bad way after the game but didn't go to hospital," Matterson's advisor Gavin Orr said.
"He has still got a sore head and jaw this morning and has been told to take it easy over the next few days by the medical staff.
"Ryan is tough and hasn't ruled out playing next week but it is too early to tell, he will have to pass all the protocols and his safety is the first priority of course."
Matterson has no idea if there was any malice in the tackle, a matter which will be determined by the judiciary next week should Kaufusi choose to fight the charge.
"He doesn't remember anything about it," Orr said.
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