Ben Matulino

The troubled end to the Warriors’ season is causing ructions at the Auckland NRL club. Kevin Locke and Russell Packer are unlikely to be at Mt Smart next season, amid suggestions star prop Ben Matulino wants out.

Kiwi internationals Locke and Packer are believed to be interested in moving from Auckland. While both players are under contract for next season, it is understood the Warriors may consider releasing them.

While the Warriors might be prepared to let Locke and Packer go, any suggestion Matulino wants out will rock them and they will do their best to keep him

Sources say Matulino has been unhappy at the Warriors this season, and a tweet from him said: ”When the boat’s about to sink its time to jump off”, sending the rumour mill into overdrive.

He later clarified: ”That tweet wasn’t directed at the club, I’m 100% for the club and here till 2015 – don’t jump to conclusions. Was a personal joke.”

There is little chance of Matulino gaining a release, as he is regarded as one of the best props in the world.

http://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/once-were-warriors-are-now-worriers-11145/

If Matulino wants out, Parra need to throw the cheque book at him and pay what ever compensation is needed.

"It's still very possible to reignite hamstring strain in Origin 2 even with an extra 9 days! Just give him the rest of year off and be done with it 😉"

"I liked the brief look at Ryley S at halfback yesterday. I would trial him at 5/8 - I see some simarities with Cameron Munster. At least he can tackle, has some mongrel, can pass and will go after the game"

Replies

Az September 22, 2013 at 2:41pm

BIG YES to Matulino! He is a star and I would love to see him at Parra.
Alan Hunt September 22, 2013 at 3:31pm

He is an absolute gun, i doubt the Warriors would let him go.
Waterboy September 22, 2013 at 3:41pm

A big yes, but will never happen. I would take Packer too.
- My Captain, My Captain BLOGGER > Waterboy September 22, 2013 at 8:59pm
  
  Bingo...
  If miracles do happen. Go hard fir both....
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER September 22, 2013 at 3:52pm

i love to see him here to but if he leaves he go to rooster or manly or storm or bulldogs
Ricky September 22, 2013 at 5:04pm

People, seriously.
Matulino isn't coming to the Eels, let alone leaving the Warriors.
Not until his contract ends anyway.
Earl Grey September 22, 2013 at 7:43pm

Warriors are seeing the effects of bringing in a coach against the player wishes... Canberra will be a prime example, and IMO so will parra unless we sign JT...
Yokembush September 23, 2013 at 1:25am

carefull mr shillington,, well have to fine you lol
- Robert Lloyd > Yokembush September 23, 2013 at 5:09pm
  
  Shillinton led the push to get rid of Don Furner Canberra coach. I wrote at the time that Canberra administration would be looking for pay back against Shillinton. We have a case of the inmates running the asylum. The administrators are thinking who is next? After all CEO Dave Furner had all the toxic matters appear on his watch. How safe is he? Hence, the move and fine against Shillinton. If the senior players wont cop it then interesting times for Canberra. Parramatta should make a play for Shillinton and for George Rose and for Luke Odonnel from Easts. With those three brutes we would have something of a front row.
Robert Lloyd September 24, 2013 at 7:53am

I knew that they were after him. They always go for big men up front. Some thing Parra has not yet learnt---when will they ever learn?