NRL: Mateo's style keeps him in

Inu and Mateo have had contrasting fortunes. Photo / Getty Images

They are signed to the Warriors until the end of 2013 but former Parramatta Eels Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu have moved in opposite directions recently.

Mateo's second row ball-playing skills mean he has fast become one of the club's star recruits, tracking towards a value-for-money bracket occupied by the likes of Micheal Luck and James Maloney.

In contrast, Inu initially did a fine job deputising for the injured Manu Vatuvei on the left wing before moving to the right. Since the four-test Kiwi's sole appearance at right centre in the heaviest defeat of the season, 30-10 away to the Cowboys in round 15, he has not regained a spot. Bill Tupou has played on the right wing and Joel Moon at right centre as alternatives.

Mateo has made three appearances at five-eighth, four from the interchange and 10 in the second row which has become his position of choice. His ranging style has seen him rank fourth among NRL second rowers for average metres this season (119.2) which tops the Warriors all-comers list.

He also tops the Warriors tackle breaks with 62 this season, outnumbering a weakness on defence where he has missed 56 tackles - the second worst in the Warriors behind Maloney.

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary says the 27-year-old Tongan captain put in some hard work on arrival.

"I think he'd be the first to admit he was a bit overweight and needed some time to fit in. He came to a club that was probably different to what he'd experienced. He commanded a bit of influence at Parramatta and it probably took him a while to earn that here but, the last six weeks, he's been great."

Mateo has accepted his role at present is best suited to the second row, given Maloney is the established five-eighth and Luck is a pillar at lock.

"I owe a lot to good halves providing me with ball to make my job easier," Mateo says.

"It allows me to play my own game without worrying about organising the team. I get a certain amount of licence but no-one is bigger than the team. I have to work with what I see which can mean floating from one side of the field to the other capitalising on defensive weaknesses.

"I've also benefited from the opposition swamping Manu [Vatuvei]. He demands so much attention which opens up space for me from quick play-the-balls. I'm happy for him to take on as many defenders as possible," Mateo jokes. Mateo is adamant about the team's potential.

"We're capable of winning a premiership. That's why I came here. It's a young squad but guys like Simon Mannering and Sam Rapira [both 24] already have stacks of test experience. Some of the young blokes are miles ahead in maturity to those I've played with previously."

Former Kiwis and Warriors coach Frank Endacott says Mateo's skills are notable but he sees one key area for improvement.

"He needs to be more selective with his offloads, sometimes he can be impulsive; cut that out and he'd immediately be a better player. He's a danger to any defence with his great step and ability to create countless opportunities."

Former Kiwis captain Richie Barnett says there has been progress.

"He's matured and played some of his best football of late; he's cut down his errors and sometimes just tucks the ball under his arm without overplaying his hand."

Inu's season has dipped after he looked like cementing the right wing spot when Vatuvei returned to the left in round nine. The 24-year-old has been absent since round 15, prompting questions as to his drastic disappearance.

Reasons floated for his demise are that his defence can be slack - despite featuring at 21st on the Warriors list of average missed tackles with 1.4 per game. He has not gained as many metres (90.2) per game compared to his wing rivals but makes the most tackle breaks (3.9) and has scored the most tries of any Warrior with seven.

Cleary was coy discussing Inu's absence.

"We've had that conversation. He understands [why he's not in the top team] and I'd rather keep it between us.

"He did a good job earlier in the year with Manu out. In terms of selection, you'd argue he was a victim of a couple of losses. Sometimes it's about picking your best 17 rather than the 17 best players."

"He can be hot and cold," Endacott says. "I'm sure he'd be the first to accept he's a relaxed individual. He needs to flick on the switch for 80 minutes."

Barnett echoed the intensity sentiment.

"He started the year well but hasn't realised his potential. He has huge ability but sometimes you don't see it in his on-field demeanor. He struggled to adjust to his centre responsibilities [against the Cowboys]. He needs to improve his aggression."