Many of you have already posted comments of this nature over the past 5 pages, but let me just add my substantial dislike for this story as my first contribution for 2010, particularly my anger at the muckraking inaccuracy of the headline. This feels like a beat up of the greatest proportions with absolutely no substance other than speculating around the following 2 facts:
1. Parra are, like all clubs, subject to the salary cap and as a result, will have trouble juggling current contracts with the anticipated upgrades for players coming off contract at the end of 2010 that they want to keep.
2. Feleti Mateo is one of a number of players coming off contract at the end of 2010 who has possibly already attracted some interest from a few rival clubs.
Within the story, Osborne asserts strongly that Mateo is part of the club's future and the player himself confirms that he wants to stay at the club. So where is the damning evidence that Mateo is going to be forced out, as per the headline?? The only iota of suggestion that Mateo's future at Parra might be in some doubt is when he admits that he'd understand if the club couldn't afford to keep him along with all of their stars. But certainly no comment that he has been told that this will be the case or that he has been put on notice that only a massive year will see him get another contract or the like.
I probably should take a chill pill and accept that this is what happens when you even glance at the Telegraph's backpage or website, but the damn thing nearly made me choke on my cornflakes and I just reckon there needs to be a bit more accountability in reporting and editing.
My own feeling is that I am confident that as long as his form stays strong, the re-signing of Mateo, along with Fui Fui will be one of the top priorities for the club. The club has already shed a substantial number of fringe players in the off season (mostly in an exodus to the Sharks) and we all seem fairly confident that Cayless and one of Grothe or Burt will finish up at the end of 2010 freeing up a bit of cash.
