Wests Tigers recruit Ryan Matterson insists he wasn’t fazed when former coach Ivan Cleary walked out to join Penrith.

Matterson has joined the joint venture from premiership-winners Sydney Roosters and says he was only worried about feeling the love.

“I only talked to Ivan once, but I wasn’t really worrying about who was coaching me. I just wanted to go to a club that wanted me,” Matterson told AAP.

“I really wanted an opportunity to cement my spot in the team and to become a leader, become a role model and have people look up to me.

“I want to actually help people. I wanted someone to give me a fair go and play my style. I think the move to the Wests Tigers was the best decision for me.”

Wests Tigers kick off their NRL campaign at Leichhardt Oval against Manly.