By Sam Ackerman
The Warriors can move into the top eight with victory against the Titans on the Gold Coast tonight.
They'll be hoping for more of Feleti Mateo's red-hot form, with the ball-playing backrowers labelled an X-factor in the Warriors’ quest for the playoffs.
In a team with its fair share of game breakers, coach Brian McClennan sees one as crucial to the Warriors’ finals hopes.
“If our team is to get on a run and win some games, it will be on the back of Feleti Mateo,” says McClennan.
After Mateo grabbed the game against the Cowboys by the scruff, it's hard to argue.
“I think on the weekend I was more aggressive, like you said, took on the line more,” say Mateo. “It wasn't a conscious thing that I did, just how the game unfolded.”
It's now the template his teammates want him to re-produce more often, starting against the Titans tonight.
“He has got the ability when he's got the ball in his hands,” says Warriors five-eighth James Maloney. “Defenders sit still and watch. That obviously creates a lot of opportunity for the runners around him.”
But Mateo insists he can't do it alone.
“I can't offload to nobody [sic],” he says. “I need someone there. Thankfully enough, the boys are pushing up with me, and we both look good if it comes off.”
Being switched on for the Mateo miracle ball is becoming instinctive for the Warriors.
“When Feleti gets the ball, my hands just pop up,” says Warriors centre Ben Henry. “I expect anything from him.”
Comparisons have been made with the Warriors other most famous off-loader.
“He reminds me of Ali Lauiti'iti,” says Henry. “The way he used to play, he used to pop passes out of nowhere. I was going to say somewhere else, but out of nowhere.”
Wherever they come from, players on both sides will be keeping an eye out for more Mateo Magic.
3 News