Warriors want Eel

Feleti Mateo

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EXCLUSIVE: In a bold and unexpected move, the Warriors are set to throw everything at signing Parramatta Eels star Feleti Mateo.

The Kiwi NRL franchise will offer Mateo a stunning deal in an effort to lure him across the Tasman for the 2011 season.

The Warriors have already had some preliminary discussions with Mateo’s agent David Riolo about signing the giant match-winning utility who could be squeezed out of re-signing with the Eels due to salary cap pressures.

“The Warriors are determined to go big in a bid to get him, an Australian-based source told Sunday News.

Warriors recruitment boss Dean Bell confirmed the club’s interest in the 25-year-old Tongan international.

“Mateo’s what we would call a potential marquee player,” Bell told Sunday News.

“He’s also one we think would add a lot of quality to our side.

“We’re still very early in the piece.

“We have simply expressed an interest and that’s as far as things have gone at this stage.”

Mateo is off contract at the end of the season and reports in Australia have suggested the Eels may have to let him go due to salary cap constraints.

The Eels, though, have indicated they want to keep him, suggesting clubs including the Warriors may be forced into a bidding war if they want to sign him.

As well as the Warriors, the Bulldogs are also understood to be keen on Mateo.

“The Warriors are one club who has expressed an interest in Feleti,” Riolo told Sunday News.

“It would be premature to say he will be leaving Parramatta, though.

“But who knows? He may well do just that once all the options are in front of him.

“The Warriors have told me they are interested and I said that when the time arises we will have a chat with them.

“I don’t know whether Feleti would be interested in moving to New Zealand. I haven’t had that discussion with him yet.

“It’s still January and there’s plenty of time to sort out his future.”

Bell, meanwhile, said the Warriors had also identified other potential signings for the 2011 season besides Mateo.

“You have to move early,’’ he said.

It’s unlikely the Warriors will make a play for off-contract league star Johnathan Thurston as his asking price will be too high for them to compete.

- © Fairfax NZ News