Matterson tears off finger at training - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Matterson tears off finger at training

By Valkerie Baynes 19/01/2010 06:59:22 AM Comments (0)

Castleford Tigers' Australian coach Terry Matterson has lost a finger in a training ground accident.

Matterson revealed on Monday that he snagged his wedding ring as he jumped a fence to collect a ball and tore his finger off.

The incident occurred last week during the English Super League squad's preparations for a pre-season match against Catalans Dragons in Perpignan, France.

"The ball was kicked out of the training ground and I went to retrieve it which meant me leaping over a fence," Matterson said.

"My wedding ring caught in the fencing and tore it off."

It wasn't until after the former Brisbane Broncos lock had retrieved the ball that he realised what had happened.

Emergency surgery to re-attach the finger failed.

The Castleford squad returned to England on Sunday and Matterson waited before speaking publicly about the incident because he "wanted to get on with it".

"We were in camp and we just wanted to get on with it so we decided not to make too big a statement until I got back," he said.

"Like myself, the players were in shock at the time but I am very proud of the way they reacted and their performance in the game on Saturday."

Castleford won the match 14-12.

Matterson was scheduled to consult a specialist on Monday to see if further treatment was required.

The 42-year-old ended his Australian playing career in 1995 before spending three seasons with London Broncos, now known as Harlequins.

He joined Castleford as coach in 2005.

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