Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah today confirmed Parramatta’s 2009 NRL grand finalists Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu have signed three-year contracts with the club through to the end of the 2013 season.
In making the announcement Scurrah said securing the pair ranked as one of the club’s biggest signing successes.
“On the back of re-signing Micheal Luck for another two years today and also securing Steve Rapira from North Queensland, this represents a huge boost for the club for next year and beyond,” he said.
“It’s a real tribute to Dean Bell and the work he has done as our recruitment manager that we’ve been able to sign two such high-quality players ahead of other clubs who were interested.
“We’re also thrilled that Feleti and Krisnan have shown their faith in us by making the commitment to move to Auckland.”
Tongan captain Mateo (25) and World Cup-winning Kiwi international Inu (23) will bring significant utility value to the Warriors from 2011.
The talented ball-playing Mateo, who has played 72 times for the Eels, can play as a second rower, loose forward or standoff while the multi-skilled Inu is able to cover fullback, wing and centre as well as being a top drawer goal kicker with an 86 per cent success rate in his 63-game Parramatta career. He has also scored 28 tries.
Warriors head coach Ivan Cleary said the double signings of Mateo and Inu represented major progress in the club’s recruitment strategy.
“Keeping Lucky was critical and being able to now confirm new signings like Feleti and Krisnan – as well as Steve Rapira – gives us a lot of confidence as we look forward,” he said.
“Feleti and Krisnan will add real quality and depth to our playing squad with their ability to slot into a number of positions.”
“After signing high-profile players like Ruben (Wiki), Steve (Price) and Brent (Tate) from Australian clubs in recent years, it’s encouraging for us as a club that we’ve succeeded in attracting Feleti and Krisnan to make the move.”
Mateo has played for Tonga since 2007, including the 2008 World Cup, while Inu has made four Test appearances for the Kiwis including his memorable debut against Australia in 2007 after he had played just one NRL match.
After debuting for the Eels in 2004, Mateo had a stint with the London Broncos in 2005 before returning to Parramatta.
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