NRL: Mateo released by Warriors

Feleti Mateo. Photo / Getty Images

The Warriors have granted back rower Feleti Mateo an early release from the last two years of his contract to return to Sydney, signing with the Manly Sea Eagles.

Manly confirmed the signing of Mateo today, along with former Australian test forward Willie Mason.

Warriors general manager football Dean Bell said while Mateo wasn't off contract until the end of the 2016 NRL season, Mateo had indicated he was keen to move his family back to Australia as soon as possible.

"Feleti and (his wife) Michelle have lots of family in Sydney and that was a big factor in his plans," said Bell.

"While he had two years to go on his contract, in the circumstances, we're happy to allow him to return home.

"We certainly wish him and his family all the best for the future."

Mateo, who turns 31 on May 2 next year, was in the Warriors' grand final side in his first season with the club in 2011.

Moving to Auckland after 88 appearances for Parramatta since his first-grade debut in 2004, he finishes five games short of 100 appearances for the Warriors. In his 95 games he scored 44 points from 10 tries and two goals.

While naming Mateo as a new signing, Manly also confirmed stalwart Anthony Watmough's release from the club.

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

The shake-up up comes following 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 that club captain Jamie Lyon would see out his distinguished career at the Sea Eagles.

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

- With AAP