IT was a decision that divided the Warrington Wolves fan base, and continues to do so.

Now, Daryl Powell has explained exactly why he is comfortable with the decision to let Jake Mamo leave the club.

The Australian centre became a fans' favourite at The Halliwell Jones Stadium with his displays on the field and his honest speaking off it.

During 2021, he seized his chance at a long-term run in his preferred centre position thanks to Greg Inglis' injury.

He topped the club's try-scoring charts with 17 touchdowns, with only Salford's Ken Sio scoring more in the competition as a whole.

Despite that, however, he was allowed to leave upon the expiry of his contract and has joined Castleford Tigers – a decision which has been criticised by some supporters.

He has effectively swapped places with Samoan international Peter Mata'utia, whom Powell brought with him from the Mend-A-Hose Jungle as Mamo's direct replacement.

Powell is firm in his belief that Mata'utia will fit better into the style he wants to play than Mamo would have been.

 

Peter Matautia has joined the club from Castleford as Mamos replacement. Picture by Warrington Wolves

Peter Mata'utia has joined the club from Castleford as Mamo's replacement. Picture by Warrington Wolves

 

"Jake Mamo is a really great, reactionary player who makes things happen," he said.

"I’ve obviously worked with Pete Mata’utia who is directly replacing him – he’s got great leadership qualities, he’s a smart player, a tough defender.

"As an all-round package, I believe he’s a better fit for Warrington Wolves and the way we want to play and I think Pete will prove that.

"I watch him play and he’s just a class player who understands the game implicitly.

"Jake’s a good player but they are different. Pete is my type of centre.

"I played a lot of centre in my career, it’s a very technical role and I think Pete is an excellent player in that position."