NRL: Mason and Mateo join Manly but Watmough's on his way

Rugby league player Willie Mason. Photo / Dean Purcell

Manly have signed former test forward Willie Mason and Warriors' star Feleti Mateo and confirmed stalwart Anthony Watmough's release from the NRL club.

Manly chairman Scott Penn revealed the three big-name squad changes yesterday when the club also unveiled highly-rated former South Sydney and Chelsea FC administrator Joe Kelly as their new chief executive.

The shake-up comes after Monday's sacking of general manager David Perry as part of an ownership restructure.

Penn also dismissed talk that coach Geoff Toovey was under pressure to retain his job and said club captain Jamie Lyon would see out his career at the Sea Eagles.

Lyon has signed a contract extension, meaning he and fullback Brett Stewart will be at the Sea Eagles until at least the end of the 2016 season.

Penn added that he was "very confident" that New Zealand international Steve Matai, who earlier this year sought a release from the club during a season of off-field bickering, would soon also sign a contract extension.

Matai is committed until the end of 2015 and Toovey is hopeful the centre will remain long-term.

Manly have also secured the services of Cronulla's Siosaia Vave for two years, but Watmough's departure disappointed Toovey.

"Anthony is a local junior, a two-time premiership winner and a life member of the club. I'm disappointed to lose a quality player such as Anthony Watmough," he said.