New Zealand Warriors prop - and cult hero - Suaia Matagi is expected to be granted a release from the club within a matter of days to join a yet-to-be-named Sydney team.
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Matagi, who has represented New Zealand and Samoa and played in each of the Warriors' 24 NRL games last season, has languished in the Auckland-based club's NSW Cup side in 2015.
The 27-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the Warriors and has received a mere 24 minutes in first grade this season. He was the 18th man for last weekend's game against Cronulla.
Warriors coach Andrew McFadden has preferred to use youngsters Sam Lisone and Albert Vete on the interchange bench while Ben Matulino and Jacob Lillyman were his choices as the team's starting props.
English Super League clubs have expressed their interest in signing Matagi but he wants to remain in the NRL to continue with his well received community projects, which include a one-man play, which are designed to help young people not copy his mistakes as a teenager.
He was imprisoned for an assault as a teenager but has been an inspirational figure since his release. He wanted to make something of his life and focused his energies on succeeding in rugby league.
