Kiwi to fill void left by Mateo

NZ Warriors Feleti Mateo in action against the Newcastle Knights. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Warriors have been quick to find a replacement for Feleti Mateo, with Kiwis back-rower Bodene Thompson signed on a three-year deal.

At the same time, second-rower Jayson Bukuya has been granted a release on compassionate grounds to return to Sydney.

The Tauranga-born Thompson has played 85 NRL games for the Titans and Wests Tigers and was 18th man for yesterday's Kiwis game against Samoa.

"Bodene has a great attitude and work ethic and has impressed everyone who has worked with him," Warriors coach Andrew McFadden said. "From the moment I first saw him play at NRL level, I've been impressed with the way he goes about his work. He's an 80-minute back-rower who's really going to add plenty to our squad and he'll also ensure there's huge competition for spots."

Thompson, who moved to the Gold Coast with his family as a teenager, is looking forward to returning to New Zealand.

"I'm around plenty of the Warriors in camp with the Kiwis right now so I'm already getting to know them well," he said. "While I enjoyed my time with Wests Tigers and have plenty to thank them for, coming home to New Zealand is something I always wanted to do."

A product of the highly-regarded Keebra Park State High School rugby league programme, Thompson played for the Titans in the NYC's foundation season in 2008 before making the first of 49 NRL appearances for the club in 2009.

The following year he represented New Zealand Maori against England. Two weeks ago he was called into the Kiwis' squad to replace Sydney Roosters prop Sam Moa.

Thompson scored six tries and averaged 86m and 30 tackles a game in 21 appearances for the Tigers this year.

Warriors general manager Dean Bell confirmed Bukuya was leaving the club for "personal reasons" but the former Shark had a disappointing 2014 season.

It wasn't easy to shine on attack - he was often employed as a decoy runner for Konrad Hurrell on the right edge - but he also failed to impress defensively, which was his core role.

"The past season was a challenging one for Jayson but we all want what is the best for him and for his family," McFadden said. "While his form suffered during the season we appreciate the effort he put in."