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Parramatta centre Krisnan Inu has expressed his desire to remain an Eel beyond 2010, and insists he is unaware of any interest from rival clubs despite reports suggesting he could link with the Warriors this season.
The New Zealand international, who is off contract at the end of the upcoming campaign, faces an uphill battle to hold his spot in the top grade this season following the return of dual international Timana Tahu.
The talented centre is already in the sights of the Warriors and is certain to attract interest from several clubs as the Eels struggle to keep a star-studded roster under the salary cap.
But the softly spoken 22-year-old insists contract negotiations are the last thing on his mind and claims his preference is to stay at Parramatta.
"I've been here as a junior and was lucky enough make my debut and play for the first-grade team so we'll see what happens and hopefully we can continue my career here," Inu told Sportal at Parramatta Stadium on Thursday.
"The contract I'm not too worried about. I'll let the manager worry about that sort of stuff, but on-field it's great to be fighting for a position knowing that the club's got so much depth."
Quizzed on reports of a possible return to his homeland as early as this season, Inu played a straight bat: "I've got no idea, my manager speaks to all contract people. I don't know what goes on there. I think the boys know a bit more than I do when they see my face in the paper."
The talented outside back was more forthcoming when asked what impact Tahu's return has had on the squad.
"He's a leader in his own respects and for all the young boys to see him train as hard as he does and to see the way he played before he left, everyone wants to be like him," he said of his main rival for the No.3 jumper.
"It's like he never left, everyone's good mates with him and all the new boys are starting to meet him and learn how fun he can be."
"Everyone's trying to lift as much as 'T' (Tahu) but I don't think anyone can match him, he's such a powerful person."
Asked to rate his chances of retaining a spot in the starting side, Inu conceded: "It's always difficult when 'T's in the team and we've got a lot of strong backs coming up in the ranks from the juniors and our team's looking stronger."
"Centre's my favourite position but to be on the field is a different thing, I don't mind where I'm playing as long as I'm on the field and enjoying my footy and playing with the boys."
Meanwhile, Inu is confident the Eels, who enter the season as premiership favourites, can emulate their late-season form from the opening round of the upcoming campaign.
"It was a big end of the season, I don't think anyone expected us to go as well as we did and for us to do what we did I think is a major confidence boost for everyone," he said.
"Everyone that played in that grand final now knows what it's like to lose one so now we all want to know what it's like to win one."
link: http://sportal.com.au/league-news-display/inu-wants-to-stay-put-85318