NRL: Matagi released from Warriors

Prop Suaia Matagi will play out the rest of the 2015 season with the Sydney Roosters after being released from the last six months of his contract with the Warriors.

The 27-year-old Kiwi and Toa Samoa international, who made his NRL debut in 2013, played the last of his 36 NRL games for the Warriors in this season's opening round against Newcastle.

With Kiwis test prop Ben Matulino and Queensland Origin rep Jacob Lillyman the Warriors' preferred starting pair and emerging duo Sam Lisone and Albert Vete commanding regular bench spots, Matagi found his progress impeded.

"It was a really tough call to let Suaia go midway through the season," said Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden.

"Everyone in our squad and at the club as a whole is full of admiration for him with the way he has turned his life around. We have supported him on his journey to redemption and watched him make the most of every opportunity he has been given.

"Naturally Suaia wants to be playing in the NRL but with the competition we have for spots he's not getting those opportunities this season. That says a lot for the way our younger front rowers like Sam Lisone and Albert Vete have developed.

"We'd be happy to see Suaia getting the chance to play in the NRL and wouldn't want to stand in his way. It's not easy seeing him go in these circumstances but we wish him and his family all the best and congratulate him on what he has achieved so far."

Matagi leaves the Warriors as a fan favourite after overcoming a stint in Manawatu prison to successfully rebuild his life.

After starting out on the Auckland club circuit with the Te Atatu Roosters and Mount Albert Lions his good form was recognised with a spot in the Auckland representative team in 2009.

He went on to be join the Auckland Vulcans the following season and was a leading performer despite being able to play only domestically until the end of the 2012 season due to travel restrictions.

Matagi continued his progress with the Warriors before making his NRL debut against the Bulldogs in Wellington in round nine of the 2013 season.

Matagi said he leaves the Warriors with mixed emotions.

"It's difficult leaving the club that has done so much for me," he said.

"There are so many people to thank at the Warriors. If it wasn't for the coaching staff having faith in me and the club giving me the opportunities I've had I wouldn't be where I am today. I also want to thank the members and the fans for all their support.

"I've loved every minute here but now my journey takes me to a new experience."

Apart from playing 36 NRL games for the Warriors (including all 24 games last year), Matagi appeared eight times for the club's New South Wales Cup this year after previously playing extensively in the same competition for the Auckland Vulcans.

During his time with the Warriors he also made his Test debut for the Kiwis during the 2014 Four Nations and represented Toa Samoa at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.