http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-news/sport/3858852/Matai-keen-on-Warriors
KIWIS hard man Steve Matai is emerging as the frontrunner to replace Brent Tate at the Warriors next year.
 The 25-year-old Manly centre is off contract at season’s end and his agent Gavin Orr yesterday revealed Matai would move home if the Warriors came up with the right price.
Experienced centre Tate confi rmed during the week he’d signed a three-year deal with North Queensland Cowboys so the Warriors are after a replacement.
"I think Steve would move home because he’'s still got a lot of family there,’’'' Orr told Sunday News yesterday. “
"But it will really depend on what the Warriors would be prepared to seriously put on the table. They know he’'s available but we haven’t heard from them.''
Of concern for the Warriors would be Matai’s dodgy track record with the NRL judiciary and past troubles with neck and shoulder injuries.
But it is the Kiwi centre’s aggression, defensive prowess and ability to find the tryline that would really appeal to the club.
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary is disappointed Tate opted not to accept a two-year deal to stay but confirmed Matai would be an ideal replacement.
"I had no idea he was interested in coming home," Cleary said.
"But we’'d certainly consider someone of the calibre of Steve Matai. â€œI suppose we’'ve only just heard the news about Brent but it does give us some certainty and it changes our salary cap projections for next year and all that sort of thing.''
"We will need to have a look at everything now and try to make some decisions soon.
 Orr said Matai would be a good fi t. "Everyone keeps asking me why the Warriors haven’t been on the phone wanting him.’’
 Warriors recruitment boss Dean Bell yesterday confirmed Matai was â€œone of many’’ centres the club had discussed.
But he conceded signing a new prop was the top priority.
"He [Matai] is of interest, yeah,â€Â'' Bell said.
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On top of the prop hitlist is Melbourne enforcer Adam Blair. But sources say it’s unlikely the Kiwi would be released early from his contract, which expires in 2011. Melbourne prop Brett White is also thought to be of interest and is a more realistic signing prospect.
Meanwhile, former Kiwis centre Paul Whatuira could be on the lookout for an NRL club after being released by Huddersfield.Â
KIWIS hard man Steve Matai is emerging as the frontrunner to replace Brent Tate at the Warriors next year.
 The 25-year-old Manly centre is off contract at season’s end and his agent Gavin Orr yesterday revealed Matai would move home if the Warriors came up with the right price.
Experienced centre Tate confi rmed during the week he’d signed a three-year deal with North Queensland Cowboys so the Warriors are after a replacement.
"I think Steve would move home because he’'s still got a lot of family there,’’'' Orr told Sunday News yesterday. “
"But it will really depend on what the Warriors would be prepared to seriously put on the table. They know he’'s available but we haven’t heard from them.''
Of concern for the Warriors would be Matai’s dodgy track record with the NRL judiciary and past troubles with neck and shoulder injuries.
But it is the Kiwi centre’s aggression, defensive prowess and ability to find the tryline that would really appeal to the club.
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary is disappointed Tate opted not to accept a two-year deal to stay but confirmed Matai would be an ideal replacement.
"I had no idea he was interested in coming home," Cleary said.
"But we’'d certainly consider someone of the calibre of Steve Matai. â€œI suppose we’'ve only just heard the news about Brent but it does give us some certainty and it changes our salary cap projections for next year and all that sort of thing.''
"We will need to have a look at everything now and try to make some decisions soon.
 Orr said Matai would be a good fi t. "Everyone keeps asking me why the Warriors haven’t been on the phone wanting him.’’
 Warriors recruitment boss Dean Bell yesterday confirmed Matai was â€œone of many’’ centres the club had discussed.
But he conceded signing a new prop was the top priority.
"He [Matai] is of interest, yeah,â€Â'' Bell said.
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On top of the prop hitlist is Melbourne enforcer Adam Blair. But sources say it’s unlikely the Kiwi would be released early from his contract, which expires in 2011. Melbourne prop Brett White is also thought to be of interest and is a more realistic signing prospect.
Meanwhile, former Kiwis centre Paul Whatuira could be on the lookout for an NRL club after being released by Huddersfield.Â