HE HAS become a regular in fantasy football teams across the country.
More importantly, Matt Ryan has become just as valuable to the Parramatta Eels for his high work rate and up-tempo style of footy.
It's the style of footy that coach Stephen Kearney has been impressed with.
So much so he went from playing park footy for Wentworthville to starting in the NRL in the space of a month.
It's a journey the 23-year-old is still coming to terms with.
"It was definitely a big shock. The Thursday before the Sharks game Steve told me I would be making my debut and I guess I was more excited than nervous," he said.
"As game day rolled around the nerves started to kick in but when I got out there I was excited and it was a relief to finally be playing in the NRL."
It didn't take long for Ryan to make an impact — capped off with a a try against his former club the Wests Tigers.
"That was pretty special," Ryan said of his try.
"I'm still pinching myself I'm playing in the NRL and I'm just trying to learn as much as I can from the other guys."
The off-contract Ryan said he is focused on playing consistent footy for the remainder of 2012 and notching up his first win in the top grade.
"Hopefully it comes this week against the Dragons," he said. "They are a tough team but we will be up for a big game."