Nathan Cayless, Kris Keating, Krisnan Inu and Feleti Mateo. PICTURE: JOHN APPLEYARD
PARRAMATTA fans will farewell more than 400 games’ worth of blue-and-gold memories at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday when four players don the jumper for the last time.
Nathan Cayless (258 games), halfback Kris Keating (40), lock Feleti Mateo (87) and winger Krisnan Inu (77) will try to ease the pain of missing the finals by giving fans a win in the match against New Zealand.
Captain Cayless, who will equal Ray Price (259 games) as the third most capped Eel, will dominate the day with the club preparing a guard of honour and post-match presentation.
``It’s been a tough and disappointing season but this will be a good way to finish it off,’’ Cayless said. ``This will be a celebration of my career and the blokes who’ve been local juniors at the club and contributed to the club.’‘
While Cayless will farewell the club, his buddies will be back in different colours.
Keating will join Canterbury next year, while Inu and Mateo have linked with New Zealand.
Like Cayless, there will likely be some reflection for 26-year-old Mateo. The son of Tongan parents grew up in Rydalmere and has told the Advertiser of his childhood memories watching the Eels from the old Parramatta Stadium hill.
He still lives in Parramatta and can occasionally be seen enjoying a drink at the Albion Hotel.
Replies
Been a pleasure watching you in action over the years.
All the best for life after footy :)
Thanx for the memories Nathan!!! Learn how to coach real fast !!!