Skinner
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With his price tag about to soar, the Warriors are no certainty to retain Feleti Mateo at the end of this year.
Negotiations are underway to re-sign the prized asset, but the Penrith Panthers are just one suitor to indicate interest, which could leave the Warriors locked in a tug-of-war for his valuable services.
"We've started discussions with Feleti and his agent," Warriors general manager Dean Bell told the Sunday Star-Times. "We met with his agent a couple of months ago. Both the club and Matt [coach Elliot] are really keen to retain him.
"It will come down to a personal decision. The ball is in his court. We'll respect his wishes that he wants time to think about it."
After shipping Michael Jennings to the Roosters - and shedding the majority of his $1.8 million, three-year contract - plus offloading Michael Gordon and Luke Lewis to the Cronulla Sharks, the Panthers' books are in a healthy state. They are looking to spend and Mateo, the Warriors' All Star representative next month, is a prime target.
Entering his third year in Auckland, Mateo's preference is to stay at the Warriors, but a move to the foot of the mountains - and closer to Sydney - may appeal if the Panthers present the right offer.
Former Warriors turned Panthers coach Ivan Cleary, who enticed Lewis Brown to jump ship, is another potential lure.
"I'm the sort of bloke that would never say no," Mateo said of a possible move. "I've worked with Ivan before and had a good relationship with him. Penrith being close to Parramatta is obviously another bonus.
"I'm really happy here and I'll give the Warriors all my respect and loyalty first, but if I can't work out a deal with them then I'll move elsewhere. But my intentions are to stay at the Warriors and hopefully I can get that sorted.
"I've started to speak to the Warriors and it's always nice to know you're wanted."
It's clear the Warriors have to significantly increase Mateo's contract to keep him.
New South Wales coach Laurie Daley is a strong supporter of the backrower's attacking genius, which could open the door for his State of Origin debut, after he switched allegiance from Tonga to Australia last year. That would only increase interest levels, and his market value.
One suspects the 27-year-old could be set for a breakout year. After a torrid pre-season, the former Eels star is in the best shape of his career.
"I've dropped a bit of weight, a couple of kilograms, and feel fitter."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/8199870/Penrith-Panthers-in-hunt-for-Feleti-Mateo
Negotiations are underway to re-sign the prized asset, but the Penrith Panthers are just one suitor to indicate interest, which could leave the Warriors locked in a tug-of-war for his valuable services.
"We've started discussions with Feleti and his agent," Warriors general manager Dean Bell told the Sunday Star-Times. "We met with his agent a couple of months ago. Both the club and Matt [coach Elliot] are really keen to retain him.
"It will come down to a personal decision. The ball is in his court. We'll respect his wishes that he wants time to think about it."
After shipping Michael Jennings to the Roosters - and shedding the majority of his $1.8 million, three-year contract - plus offloading Michael Gordon and Luke Lewis to the Cronulla Sharks, the Panthers' books are in a healthy state. They are looking to spend and Mateo, the Warriors' All Star representative next month, is a prime target.
Entering his third year in Auckland, Mateo's preference is to stay at the Warriors, but a move to the foot of the mountains - and closer to Sydney - may appeal if the Panthers present the right offer.
Former Warriors turned Panthers coach Ivan Cleary, who enticed Lewis Brown to jump ship, is another potential lure.
"I'm the sort of bloke that would never say no," Mateo said of a possible move. "I've worked with Ivan before and had a good relationship with him. Penrith being close to Parramatta is obviously another bonus.
"I'm really happy here and I'll give the Warriors all my respect and loyalty first, but if I can't work out a deal with them then I'll move elsewhere. But my intentions are to stay at the Warriors and hopefully I can get that sorted.
"I've started to speak to the Warriors and it's always nice to know you're wanted."
It's clear the Warriors have to significantly increase Mateo's contract to keep him.
New South Wales coach Laurie Daley is a strong supporter of the backrower's attacking genius, which could open the door for his State of Origin debut, after he switched allegiance from Tonga to Australia last year. That would only increase interest levels, and his market value.
One suspects the 27-year-old could be set for a breakout year. After a torrid pre-season, the former Eels star is in the best shape of his career.
"I've dropped a bit of weight, a couple of kilograms, and feel fitter."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/8199870/Penrith-Panthers-in-hunt-for-Feleti-Mateo
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