The Tigers, despite their well-publicised salary-cap issues, were prepared to discuss the prospect of an upgrade and extension. Matterson has shut that down. He has told those close to him he isn’t enjoying his football and isn’t getting what he signed up for with former Tigers powerbrokers Ivan Cleary and Kelly Egan. Matterson has asked his agent to request a release; the Tigers don’t want to part with one of their best players. Supporter: More has been made out of Michael Maguire's role in Ryan Matterson's dissatisfaction than is warranted. Credit:Getty Images Matterson’s relationship with Maguire isn’t the crux of the matter. Maguire deserves credit for making the back-rower a better player. When Brad Fittler was considering adding him to the NSW squad, it was Maguire who was pushing his case. They have had a series of robust conversations in recent months in a bid to address his concerns, although more had been made of one particular meeting than should be the case. ‘‘My job is to make the player the best he can be,’’ Maguire said yesterday. ‘‘I’ve enjoyed the fact he’s risen to the heights he has got to. I spoke to Freddy [Brad Fittler] about getting him into the Origin space because I believe that’s where he’s heading as a player.

Loading ‘‘I’ve had conversations with him continuously – when he first arrived, when I first arrived – about growing the organisation.’’ Matterson fell out with Brad Arthur when he was at Parramatta. Matterson thought of himself as a half. Arthur, who at one point dropped him to Ron Massey Cup, thought he was a back-rower. Turns out Arthur was right. Having been rightly criticised for paying overs for players, the Tigers feel they shouldn’t be punished for making a shrewd investment in Matterson. Unfortunately, it’s hard to keep someone who doesn’t want to be there. Cleary is a case in point. Luke who missed the cut Issac Luke won’t be joining Manly after the club pulled its two-year offer to the hooker.

The Sea Eagles were looking for a back-up for young gun Manase Fainu after Apisai Koroisau was released to join Penrith. The 32-year-old Luke is keen to play on after his Warriors contract expires at the end of this year, although it remains to be seen whether there will be any interest from other NRL clubs. The Eels and Tigers are exploring back-up hooking options, while several Super League clubs have expressed an interest. Career in transit: Issac Luke's future in the NRL is uncertain. Credit:Getty Images The Sea Eagles will turn their attention to extending the tenure of youngster Cade Cust, who can cover half or hooker. Fans want Belmore They have their drawbacks – asbestos scares, long queues for the toilet and a beer – but there is still plenty of love for suburban stadiums. The big crowds at Leichhardt, Shark Park and Brookvale in recent weeks are proof Sydneysiders still enjoy the ‘‘intimacy’’ that only boutique grounds can provide. The trick is to get the right amount of games allocated to the smaller venues.

Loading Bulldogs fans believe the current one match a season at Belmore is too low. A survey of voting members conducted by Back to Belmore found that 78 per cent of respondents wanted the venue upgraded to facilitate more games, while 58 per cent want more games there in the ground’s current state. Back To Belmore patron Luke Brailey said the results would be used ‘ to ‘‘lobby the state and federal governments for financial assistance to upgrade Belmore Sports Ground.’’ Latrell targeted Latrell Mitchell has again been subjected to racist abuse on social media, this time as he was playing a starring role for the Roosters against the Rabbitohs on Friday night in the opening match of the finals series.

The NRL will liaise with Mitchell to see if it can assist should he wish to take the matter further. Heads-up play James McManus has had a small win in his landmark concussion lawsuit against Newcastle. Justice Ian Harrison has granted McManus’ legal team leave to amend their statement of claim, a move that changes his action dramatically. The case of the former NSW winger will now be supported by new video evidence, which his lawyers claim highlights more than half-a-dozen incidents where the head-knock protocols were breached. McManus has also altered the entity he is suing following the bankruptcy of former Knights owner Nathan Tinkler. The action now zeroes in on the ‘‘New Knights’’, the club as it was owned by the NRL before Wests Group took control.

New direction: James McManus's concussion case will now be supported by video evidence. Credit:Jonathan Carroll Any NRL crackdown on managers would be a real game-changer The NRL is keen to clamp down on the practice of managers having players and coaches on their books due to the conflicts of interest that can, and do, arise. The governing body has already made agents more accountable by introducing a new accreditation scheme, which is administered by the Rugby League Players’ Association. But there are still concerns some agents aren’t always acting in their clients’ best interests, particularly when they manage the careers of players and coaches. There’s a belief some clubs are being pressured to take players they may not necessarily want because their coach – perhaps at the behest of their manager – is pushing for them to be signed. Any change would have huge ramifications for some of the game’s most influential managers.

Loading Isaac Moses has coaches Anthony Seibold, Stephen Kearney, Kevin Walters and Adam O’Brien on his books, as well as several highly credentialled assistants. George Mimis has Wayne Bennett, Ivan Cleary, Des Hasler, Paul Green, Nathan Brown, Garth Brennan and David Furner in his stable.

David Riolo has Dean Pay, Paul McGregor and Craig Fitzgibbon as clients, while Gavin and Chris Orr look after Brad Arthur, Justin Holbrook and John Cartwright. And they all manage some of the game’s best players. Any change could potentially push more coaching clients to Wayne Beavis – who looks after Shane Flanagan, Anthony Griffin, Brad Fittler and Trent Barrett – despite the fact he is not officially accredited.

Titanic shift? Josh Reynolds needs a new club. Justin Holbrook is tasked with rebuilding one. Given their history – they won two lower-grade premierships together at Canterbury when they last combined – a reunion could potentially be of benefit to all parties. Right fit: Josh Reynolds has the sort of work ethic badly needed on the Gold Coast. Credit:NRL Photos What’s clear after the Gold Coast’s dismal season is the need for cultural change. At times, Titans players appeared to show a lack of effort. Such an accusation can never be made about Reynolds.

The Tigers have given him permission to negotiate with clubs and are prepared to heavily subsidise his $800,000- a-year salary for next season. That could make the former NSW pivot a bargain buy for any club. Which is why the Titans could be the right fit.