NZ Warriors backrower Feleti Mateo has been granted an early release from his contract to return to Sydney.

The 30-year-old had two years to run on his contract with the Auckland-based club.

He has been signed by Manly as a replacement for Parramatta-bound Anthony Watmough.

Warriors general manager of football Dean Bell said Mateo had told the club he was keen to move back to Australia as soon as possible before his contract expired at the end of the 2016 NRL season.

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

“While he had two years to go on his contract, in the circumstances, we’re happy to allow him to return home,” said Bell.

Mateo made 95 appearances for the Warriors and played in the 2011 grand final loss in his first season with the club.