Warriors end bid to sign Matai - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Warriors end bid to sign Matai

03/08/2010 03:38:54 PM Comments (0)

The Warriors have announced it has pulled out of trying to sign centre Steve Matai from fellow NRL club Manly.

Chief executive Wayne Scurrah said the Warriors were keen to recruit the Kiwi international, however, Matai, who comes off contract at the end of the season, had indicated throughout the negotiations that he wanted to stay with the Sea Eagles if possible.

"We haven't heard from his manager since making our final offer and have now withdrawn it," Scurrah said.

The Warriors have so far made three additions to their squad for next season - Parramatta pair Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu, and junior Warrior Steve Rapira, who is returning after two years with North Queensland.

Meanwhile, promising forwards Ben Matulino and Ukuma Ta'ai are both extending their stay with the Warriors.

Matulino, 21, was off contract at the end of next year, but has agreed to a new deal that will keep him at the club until the end of 2013.

Ta'ai, 23, who was off contract at the end of this season, will be back next year, with the club having an option on him for 2010.

Coach Ivan Cleary said Matulino and Ta'ai had impressed with their progress this season.

"Ben is still a young man but has already played more than 50 NRL matches and played Test football for the Kiwis, and he has been a really solid performer for us this season," he said.

"Ukuma has also shown a lot of improvement since making his debut at this level last year. He's a player who is a real threat to opposition defences and one who has the potential to become a lot better yet."

Matulino is one of only three players who have appeared in each of the Warriors' 19 matches so far this season, while Ta'ai has played 14 times.

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