"THIS week the Times talked with Parramatta Eels five-eighth Feleti Mateo. Mateo is a product of Terra Sancta College at Quakers Hill and spent his youth playing for the Lalor Park Kookaburras.
1. First of all Feleti, how’s training going for the forthcoming season?
It’s been pretty tough but that’s to be expected. A few boys, including myself, took time off training until January. But we’ve been working hard and having a lot of fun doing it.
2. What are your goals for this season?
I want to stay injury-free. I want to get my starting spot back and put a dent in the NRL by making a name for myself.
3. How are your contract negotiations with the Eels going?
Pretty good. I was surprised to hear from my manager that quite a few clubs such as the Warriors and Bulldogs are interested, which is good but obviously I’d love to stay at Parra. I’d love to have it (negotiations) finished by next week if possible, but definitely by April or May at the latest.
4. Are you concerned about the AFL moving into the west?
They (AFL) might pinch a few rugby league players. It will probably make rugby league more competitive because before kids would rock up to the park and play league because there was no other option, that might change a bit now.
5. Who is the funniest player in the team?
It would have to be Etu Uaisele, he’s a funny guy and he’s got some broken English problems we all pick up on ... he’ll say he has “good reflections” instead of good reflexes when he dodges the ball.
6. Do you still have a close connection with the Lalor Park Kookaburras and Terra Sancta College?
I go down to Lalor Park every now and then to see some people like my old coach. I haven’t been back to the college but it would be good to go back there sometime.
What is your favourite position and why?
Probably five-eighth, it’s good for attacking and you get away with doing less defending. But it looks like I’ll be in the back row more this year, so I’m learning to adapt and get my combos going with the halves.
9. How will the Eels go in 2010?
There’s no reason we can’t show the same form again this year, it’s a fully fit team with a lot of depth and there’s no distractions."
I like this bit in particular:
Pretty good. I was surprised to hear from my manager that quite a few clubs such as the Warriors and Bulldogs are interested, which is good but obviously I’d love to stay at Parra. I’d love to have it (negotiations) finished by next week if possible, but definitely by April or May at the latest.
Re-signing Mateo is a must, and it's great to hear that he loves it here. Also interesting to note is that his favourite position is 5/8... good to hear that he doesn't mind it in the back row.
http://rouse-hill-times.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/eel-deal-on-cards-for-mateo/
Replies
I'll be stoked when Mateo resigns. All they talk about in the Bullfag forums is how they're gonna sign him, where he'll be playing... they are deadset already talking like he plays for Canturbury. Wankers.
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