He's not the highest profile player in the NRL but you can bet Dragons back-rower Will Matthews caught the attention of opposition forwards in his first NRL game of the year on Friday night.
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The durable 27-year-old was called in to replace star back-rower Tyson Frizell, who missed the match through suspension, and responded with perhaps the best top grade performance of his career to claim man-of-the-match honours.
He also left a considerable mark on Broncos enforcer Sam Thaiday and five-eighth Anthony Milford with some bone-rattling shots in the first half.
Matthews' 19th minute hit on the rampaging Thaiday proved the major turning point of the first half with the Dragons scoring their first try in the next set to take the lead at 6-4 and maintain momentum for the remainder of the half.
"They were on top of us at that stage, so I just tried to hit him through the middle and hope the ball might pop out," Matthews said.
"It was bit greasy out there, so I thought it might pop out and, lucky for us, it did.
"It turned the game for us as we got back on top [soon after].
"I think it's one of my strengths - that through-the-middle type tackling. It just comes naturally for me.
"There are times when you do have to wrap the ball up but if you can try and get a good shot on, why not go for it."
The performance sweetened what had been a disappointing start to the season for Matthews who had hoped the carry his strong form from the back- end of last year into 2015.
However, a broken hand suffered in the Charity Shield and a two-week suspension in the NSW Cup stalled his momentum.
"I had a really good preseason and I felt I'd put myself in a good position to be picked for round one," he continued.
"But then I hurt myself in the Charity Shield. I came back after a couple of weeks in reserve grade, but was then suspended so I was put back again.
"It was frustrating but I'm really happy to be back in the side. It was a good initiation back to the NRL."
With Frizell to miss Saturday's clash with the Roosters due to his suspension, Matthews will no doubt keep his spot this week and plans on using the opportunity to cement a spot in the top 17.
"It was unfortunate for Tyson that he got suspended because he's been massive for us," Matthews said.
