They already had Paske cast in the role. Barbara Toner from "Radio Times" noted that Paske had the good looks to fill "Neighbours" quota of young male acting talent. The character was originally credited as Matt Williams, but Kolle wanted Matt introduced into the show's established Robinson family. The writers had already conjured up the idea that Matt would be the long-lost son of Hilary Robinson (Anne Scott-Pendlebury). Toner interviewed Kolle during the creation process and he explained that he wanted Matt to be different to the other teenagers previously featured in the series. Kolle did not want Matt to be portrayed as bad-tempered and unfriendly, but more disinclined to follow the crowd. He explained that "he's more remote - a little bit remote from the other kids, a bit cool, a bit disinclined to be involved." Kolle added that they were optimistic about the character's reception and wanted him to be likeable.