FORMER NRL and English Super League winger Josh Mantellato could feature for Wyong in the coming weeks as the Roos look to maintain their unbeaten record in the Newcastle Rugby League competition.
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Mantellato returned for Wyong on Saturday, playing reserves against Souths at Townson Oval and pulling up "pretty sore" according to Roos captain-coach Mitch Williams.
The 33-year-old has been back at Wyong since 2017 following his 45 appearances overseas for Hull Knigston Rovers, however, he hadn't intended to line-up for the Roos this season.
"He's doing the last of his prac teaching at St Eddie's [Gosford] and has just bought a house at Saratoga," Williams said.
"But he came a watched a couple of games and I think he got the itch. Last weekend was his return. It looks like he'll have a couple of games."
Williams said he was unsure whether Mantellato would be called up to the top grade and face Wests at Harker Oval on Sunday, but admitted having a player of his "ability" around wasn't a bad thing. There are two rounds remaining before elimination semi-finals and the October 18 decider.
Mantellato featured twice for the Knights, once in 2013 and the other in 2014. He also represented Italy at both the 2013 and 2017 World Cup tournaments. The prolific goal kicker has previously been the Newcastle RL leading point scorer on multiple occasions.
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IN THE NEWS TODAY:
Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
