Mateo wants to prove his worth

Feleti Mateo has told Rugby League Week that he wants to show Eels fans and team mates that he deserves his place in the red-hot Eels outfit and also revealed the role Jarryd Hayne has played in keeping him focused on getting back into the side.

Admitting he was worried "whether I was good enough to get back into the team", Mateo was quoted as saying: "I want to show my team-mates, coach and the fans that I can return to my best again. It's great to be back playing footy and in a winning team."Mateo said he understood he would be playing a new role to the one he was playing when he got injured. "I think there is less pressure and organising on me now and I can just worry about my running game and do what I can for the team."Jarryd Hayne told RLW that a couple of years ago Mateo may have "spat the dummy and went sideways" in frustration of trying to force his way back in the team."I said to him during the week that he just has to keep the faith, keep trying hard and don't let it get to you."Speaking to 1Eyed Eel this week, Mateo confirmed he was one hundred per cent over the bicep injury and his only worry now was "the lungs".He expected to come off the bench, while he got back to the fitness levels he needed to play more minutes, he said.Image credit: The Daily Telegraph

"Paulo is a shadow of what he once was and is getting worse each year. He looks like he hates the collision these days. Sadly that is what he would display if kept around as a leader for our pack for others to follow. Sam T already seems to follow in…"

"Did you watch him play in this years final for Souths? He was owned by old man Gagai. Laurel went missing all game although he did pass the ball from dummy half a lot to the other outside backs to work it out of their end. Massive NO."

Replies

RealEel August 26, 2009 at 3:00pm

Great to hear that he has his attitude right. When Inu came out and said something similar recently, it showed in his improvement on the field.

Lets hope we can see Mateo's best quick enough to propell us into the semi's. Imagine out team with Hayne, Inu and Mateo all at their best!!!!!
Active August 26, 2009 at 3:32pm

How good is it to hear this level of maturity from one hell of a player.
I was a big advocate for Mateo to get back into the side.
I din't expect anything much from Mateo last week and was very happy with what I saw. With a few games under his belt we as a team are going to take some stopping.

Glory Glory to Parramatta
Eel from the South
Ace Eel August 26, 2009 at 6:02pm

Haven't seen him look so fit ...his shoulders look awesome....his injection into this very well balanced side is perfect timing.....
timbodavo August 26, 2009 at 6:25pm

yeh i was surprised with his quality, thought hed be good for a few errors 1st game back but was pleasantly surprised.
Michael G August 26, 2009 at 6:51pm

I love this guy I hope he re-signs with us
shwgrl August 26, 2009 at 8:56pm

We need to keep him no matter what, adds so much to the team
Daneel August 26, 2009 at 10:49pm

I remember a while back, i commented on the strength of our bench during the 2001 campaign.

well seeing Mateo's name on the bench certainly gives ours a bit of cred at this time of the year. Add Mannah, Kingston, and Smith, and its quite a solid bench and will serve us very well over the next two rounds.... then its a whole new ball game!
1Eyed Eel August 27, 2009 at 6:42am

Quotes from Anderson re: Mateo

"I do hope for more minutes from him - he blew hard and quickly but we expected it," Anderson said of Mateo's effort against the Tigers.

"I expect him to be a little bit more composed and every bit as enthusiastic.

"His offload to start that try was extremely measured, controlled and very safe.

"We have to play rugby league, but not recklessly."

http://news.leaguehq.com.au/breaking-news-sport/mateo-looming-as-ee...
Djl August 27, 2009 at 12:32pm

he will reek absolute havoc. be very scared panthers get ready for the mateo train of destruction