Matt Eisenhuth


Matt Eisenhuth is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Wests Tigers in the NRL.

Background

Eisenhuth was born in Auburn, New South Wales, Australia.
He played his junior rugby league for the Wentworthville Magpies, before being signed by the Parramatta Eels.
Eisenhuth is the cousin of Australian international and former New South Wales State of Origin captain Paul Gallen.

Playing career

Early career

From 2010 to 2012, Eisenhuth played for the Parramatta Eels' NYC team. In 2010, he played for the Australian Schoolboys. In 2013, he graduated to the Eels' New South Wales Cup team, Wenworthville Magpies. Midway through 2013, he joined the Penrith Panthers, after being cut by then Eels coach Ricky Stuart.
In 2014, Eisenhuth overcame fears that he might not play football again, after having a tumour found in his knee. He had the tumour cut out, with the hole filled up with bone cement. In 2016, he joined the Wests Tigers.

2017

In round 15, Eisenhuth made his NRL debut for the Tigers against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, and played every remaining game of the season in first grade. After initially playing from the bench, he cemented a position starting at lock for the last 6 games of the year.
In August, Eisenhuth re-signed with the Tigers on a 2-year contract until the end of 2019. He said, "For me, it was a pretty easy decision to extend my time here. This club stood by me and gave me a shot nobody else was and they rewarded me with a debut and constant first-grade, so in my mind, I wasn’t looking to go anywhere else. I think I’ve been improving week in and week out, so I’m very happy to be here for the next couple of years."

2018

In round 4, Eisenhuth scored his first NRL try, against the Parramatta Eels in the Tigers' 30-20 win at ANZ Stadium. Midseason, he signed a further extension to remain at Wests Tigers until the end of 2020, with coach Ivan Cleary calling him, "a key member of our team".
Towards the end of the season, Eisenhuth was a described as a player who embodies, "what it means to be a tireless worker". Leading his club in tackle counts, decoy runs, and second in support plays, he was considered one of the hardest workers in the NRL. He scored 2 tries and played in all 24 of the Wests Tigers games for the season.