Wests Tigers cut cult hero Mahe Fonua as roster restructure continues
Wests Tigers forward Ben Matulino has revealed coach Michael Maguire has assured his future is safe. But it’s bad news for one of the club’s favourite sons.
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Wests Tigers forward Ben Matulino has revealed that coach Michael Maguire has assured him he is not being forced out of the club but the news isn’t so good for another club favourite.
Matulino, who was signed to a four-year deal until the end of 2020 under former coach Ivan Cleary, has been the subject of reports surrounding a player clean out under new coach Michael Maguire.
The speculation about Matulino was only intensified on Tuesday after news Parramatta veteran and forward Tim Mannah would be joining the Tigers, effective immediately.
But the New Zealand international told The Daily Telegraph he has been told by Maguire he is wanted at the club.
“I’ve been told by Madge I am here for two more years and there is the possibility of Tim Mannah coming, which is pretty good,” Matulino said.
“He’s [Maguire] told the guys individually whether they are staying or not. But he’s told me I’m staying for two more years. When it first came out, I rang my manager asking ‘what is happening?’ and he goes ‘I haven’t heard anything from anyone’ and Madge said the same thing. Then my manager called me and he goes ‘I can guarantee you’re not leaving’ then I talked to Madge and he reassured the same thing.”
It’s an entirely different story for fan favourite and cult hero Mahe Fonua.
Fonua, who built a following on the back of his barnstorming runs and memorable hair styles, has been told he will not be re-signed at the Tigers.
The outside back joined the club in 2018 but despite starting in 11 matches this year is not part of Maguire’s long term plans.
The 26-year old suffered a serious foot injury last week against the Canberra Raiders meaning it may have well been his last game in Tigers colours.
Fonua went under the knife to repair the damage on Tuesday and it’s expected he will be out for at least 10 weeks.
Fonua’s untimely injury has forced a reshuffle of Maguire’s back five for Friday night’s clash against North Queensland in Townsville. Captain Moses Mbye will cover for Fonua at centre with Corey Thompson moving to fullback. Robert Jennings will line-up on the wing for Thompson.
Originally published as Wests Tigers cut cult hero Mahe Fonua as roster restructure continues
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