Students that Matrix hero fights reportedly (9)

I believe the answer is:

neophytes

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'students' is the definition.
(neophyte is a kind of student)

'matrix hero fights reportedly' is the wordplay.
'matrix hero' becomes 'neo' (I've seen this in another clue).
'fights reportedly' becomes 'phytes' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'neo'+'phytes'='NEOPHYTES'

'that' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for neophytes that I've seen before include "Novices" , "Newcomers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.