Star Parramatta Eels players Feleti Mateo and Kris Inu have confirmed they have signed deals to link with the NZ Warriors from next season.
Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu have agreed to all terms with New Zealand Warriors starting 2011, with the Eels unable to hold onto the duo due to salary cap pressure.
Speaking through an Eels media release; Mateo and Inu said the following:
“I had to tell team-mates, coaching staff and friends I’m moving on next year to the New Zealand Warriors,” Mateo says.
“It’s a very sad day because I’ve grown up in the area and always supported the Eels.
“It’s probably the saddest thing I’ve had to do in my football career so far.”
For Inu, who grew up with team-mates Jarryd Hayne and the Keating brothers, it will be like leaving a second family when he changes clubs at the end of this season.
“Like Feleti said to be leaving our home will be really hard. especially the boys and staff, they’re practically our family,” Inu explains.
While leaving as a package deal, the pressure will no doubt mount on the pair – especially Mateo who is believed to have signed for around $350,000 per season – who will no doubt be looked upon as the lone saviour for the Kiwi club.