With the buzzards circling around the Sea Eagles, Feleti Mateo says it’s up to him and his Manly teammates to drive away the smell of rot.
In yet another week of high drama for Manly, 14 members of the NRL playing squad have reportedly been told they are unwanted by the club next year.
With the proud club heading towards a bottom-eight finish for the first time in 10 years, more than half the playing group including senior players such as Mateo, Matt Ballin, Luke Burgess, Willie Mason and Justin Horo are expected to be shown the door.
Experienced forward Mateo said he planned to be at Manly next year and would not discuss whether he had been told to look elsewhere for season 2016.
“I have one more year left on my contract and I want to honour that,” he said.
Manly are under mounting pressure in 13th spot, with coach Geoff Toovey believed to be on the chopping block and Penrith assistant Trent Barrett being sized up for his position.
He says the only answer to his critics is to prove in the final seven weeks of the season that he is giving the club value for money.
Mateo on Saturday will come up against his former club the Warriors, who he parted ways with last season with two years left on his contract.
Failing to live up to high expectations in Auckland, the 30-year-old is reportedly on big money at Brookvale as well.
He has made 195 first-grade appearances for Parramatta, the Warriors and Sea Eagles and has been linked with a move to Super League side Catalans.
Mateo said his form during his 12 appearances this year had been hindered by injuries and it was up to him to find good touch and secure his future.
“I thought I started off pretty good. I’ve been plagued by injuries this year – it’s been really tough,” he said.
“The whole club’s been hit with injuries so it’s been hard for myself to create combos with people and we’re slowly getting people back on the park and it’s about getting results.”
eagleJack
Roar Guru
So not based on anything substantial. Like actually seeing the contract or speaking to somebody who has. What is happening at the club has nothing to do with DCE not having TPA's in his contract. The statement you made above is 100% false.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
There is a reason they are clearing house, and it's not just to do with how this season has gone. The Penn's aren't the most popular people to deal with, and do keep a lot of the people who would like to invest in the club away.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Not sure where you are getting your info from DOW. Like most of the elite players a large portion of their salary comes from TPA's. What made you think DCE was any different?
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
I think the difference is that DCE's contracts is nearly all under the cap, while the Thurstons and Melbourne big 3 have a lot more TPE's that make it easier to fit other pieces around them.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I can't recall how much JT'S last deal was but 1.2 is ringing a bell. Every side needs to pay top coin for top players obviously but the trick is in knowing to keep a good balance. Maybe it will prove to be a masterstroke in the long term.
silvertailboy
Guest
This hasn't happened at Melbourne or Nth Qld. The big 3 at Melbourne are on 800k to 1000k whilst others would be on 100k to 200k. Thurston would be on at least 1200k.
PLANKO
Guest
Harry this could be the case or it could fire them up I am not necessarily saying either way but hoping they fire up.
The EYE-BALL Opinion
Roar Pro
There is ample evidence to prove a sporting team's fate is linked to the owners, private owners so to speak. When News had an interest in all the teams that made up Super League, the comp would never fail, and teams always felt the common good and interests. When 'owners' impose their ego under threat of money invested or withdrawal, it can never be a good outcome. DCE's $10 million contract will bring the Club asunder ... there is already a fester with infection where the player pool measure their own worth up against DCE's contract value. Be that on the open market or what the Seagulls value their retention value as. As sport meanders down this 'player value' course and mistakes are made, whether other players around a marquee player will put in 100% becomes a subjective equation. To do so and risk injury that could end careers, or to 'tank' so to speak and make the marquee player value look over priced is the mental question all undervalued players face - that is if they see their contract as undervalued as well.
HarryT
Guest
Their minds will be elsewhere.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
A Penn y for your thoughts on this latest meltdown.
PLANKO
Guest
I am hoping the boys fire up this week. If they like playing and living in one of the nicest parts of the world they need to start earning their pay.
curaeus
Guest
The Penn(s) are mightier than the Club......
PLANKO
Guest
They own the team. Could be a little challenging ...
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Unless both parties agree to not stay.
Craig
Guest
The Penn's have to go! They have been nothing but trouble from the start.
Pat Malone
Guest
If they have contracts they are entitled to stay