Over the last 18 months, he has been one of the best props in the NRL, and his good form has been rewarded by the New Zealand Warriors – with prop Ben Matulino signing a new deal with the club, that will keep him across the Tasman until the end of the 2015 season.
Warriors coach Brian McClennan has hailed the recent performances of Matulino, and believes he will achieve plenty more in the game.
“They’re both fantastic examples of our development programme,†he said.
“For a player who’s only 23, Ben Matulino has achieved so much and done so well for himself.
“To have already played 100 NRL matches as well as 12 Tests is a great achievement. He’s been in outstanding form for us all season and I know how much it means to him to play for our club.
For Matulino himself, playing for the Warriors is something that he aims to do for the rest of his career – given the country and team, are his home.
“I’m really glad to be playing here for the Vodafone Warriors,†he said.
“To be honest, I can’t picture myself playing anywhere else. I like it here so much, coming through the club with so many players who have been part of the Vodafone Junior Warriors and now the NRL side. There’s so much talent here and I want to be a part of it and do what I can to help the club in every way possible.â€