New Red Devils signing Feleti Mateo is relishing the opportunity to get stuck in to the Super 8 Qualifiers and help Salford secure their Super League status and finish the season on a high.
The loose forward, who has played international Rugby for Tonga, joins the club with over 200 NRL appearances to his name, experience that is sure to be vital as we approach the business end of the season.
Results-wise, 2016 has been the best year in a decade for the Red Devils, and Mateo is excited to join a club that is very much on the up, he said;
“I saw an opportunity here at a very good club with a lot of good people around, I’m looking forward to the experience and the opportunity thats in front of me”
With Sunday’s fixture against Huddersfield Giants looming ever larger on the Horizon, Mateo is hoping that he can settle into the side fast and make a real impact for the Red Devils;
“I just wanted to play at a top level, and with a great club with Salford I thought there was a good chance to get some good time on the field and play with some good players as well”
Despite having not played in England since a spell with the London Broncos 11 years ago, Feleti is well aware of the competition, is ready for some tough encounters in the coming weeks;
“They show a fair bit of Super League back home and you realise the calibre of players that you have up here, there’s no slouches. We definitely know what we’re in for, we’re under no illusions that its going to be a walk in the park for us, its going to be tough.”
Mateo is no stranger to passionate supporters having played for some Australia’s biggest clubs, and he is looking forwards to the intense atmospheres characteristic of the English game and Salford supporters, he said;
“I like playing in front of big atmosphere’s especially vocal ones, so I’m really looking forwards to it.”
Feleti is available for selection for Sundays Super 8 Qualifiers opener against the Giants alongside fellow new signing and former Manly Sea Eagles team mate Luke Burgess.
Tickets for this fixture are available now at reddevilsrugby.co.uk/tickets or by calling the stadium on 0161 7861570
