Wikipedia

Sione Mata'utia

Sione Mata'utia-Leifi(pronounced ma-ta-oo-tee-a)[2](born 25 June 1996) is a former professionalrugby leaguefootballer who plays as aloose forwardandsecond-rowforward forLakes United Seagullsin theNewcastle Rugby League.He has represented bothAustraliaandSamoaat international level.

Sione Mata'utia
Personal information
Full nameSione Mata'utia-Leifi
Born(1996-06-25)25 June 1996(age 28)
Liverpool,New South Wales, Australia
Height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight16 st 5 lb (104 kg)
Playing information
PositionSecond-row,Centre,Loose forward,Wing
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2014–20 Newcastle Knights 124 31 0 0 124
2021–24 St Helens 85 17 1 0 70
Total 209 48 1 0 194
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2014 Prime Minister's XIII 1 0 0 0 0
2014 Australia 3 1 0 0 4
2017 World All Stars 1 0 0 0 0
2017 Samoa 1 0 0 0 0
Source:[1]
As of 1 November 2024
RelativesChanel Mata'utia(brother)
Pat Mata'utia(brother)
Peter Mata'utia(brother)

He previously played for theNewcastle Knightsin theNRL,as well as thePrime Minister's XIIIandWorld All Starsat representative level. Mata'utia played ascentreand on thewingearlier in his career, before moving into the forwards.

Background

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Mata'utia was born inLiverpool, New South Wales,Australia. He is ofSamoandescent and moved toNewcastle, New South Waleswhen he was 5 years old.[3][4]

He played his junior football for theRaymond Terrace MagpiesandSouth Newcastle Lionsin theNewcastle Rugby League,before being signed by theNewcastle Knights.

Mata'utia is the younger brother of former Knights playersPeter Mata'utia,Chanel Mata'utiaandPat Mata'utia.[5]

Playing career

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Early career

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In 2013 and 2014, Mata'utia played for Newcastle'sNYCteam.[6]On 16 October 2013, he extended his contract with the Knights from the end of 2014 to the end of 2015.[7]On 12 June 2013, he won theBrian Carlson Club-Andrew JohnsMedal as Newcastle's best under-17 player.[8]In September and November 2013, he captained theAustralian Schoolboys.[9][10]

2014

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On 3 May, Mata'utia played for theNew South WalesUnder-20s team against theQueenslandUnder-20s team, playing at centre and scoring a try in New South Wales' 30-8 win atPenrith Stadium.[11]

In round 20 of the2014 NRL season,he made hisNRLdebut for Newcastle against theSydney Roostersat fullback,[12]alongside his brotherChanel Mata'utiawho also debuted for the Knights in the same game.[13]This was the first time since Round 1 of the1942 NSWRFL season,that two brothers had debuted in the same game together,BillandDoug McRitchiedebuting for theSt. George Dragonson that day.[14]In round 23 against theNew Zealand WarriorsatHunter Stadium,he scored his first NRL career try in a three try effort for Newcastle during their 28-22 win.[15]He finished off his debut year in the NRL having played in seven matches and scoring seven tries for Newcastle in the 2014 season.[16]On 2 September, he was named at centre in the 2014 NYC Team of the Year.[17]

On 8 September 2014, he was named in theSamoatrain-on squad for the2014 Four Nations,[18]later being also named in theJunior Kangaroostrain-on squad.[19]On 12 October 2014, he played for thePrime Minister's XIIIagainstPapua New Guinea.[20]On 14 October 2014, he was named in theAustralian2014 Four Nations squad.[21]He became Australia's youngest ever Test player when he played againstEngland,aged 18 years and 129 days, eclipsingIsrael Folau's seven-year-old record by 65 days.[22]He played in 3 matches for Australia including playing on the wing and scoring a try in the Kangaroos' 22-18 loss toNew ZealandatWestpac Stadium.[23]

Late in September 2014, he signed a letter of intent to join theCanterbury-Bankstown Bulldogson a four-year contract starting in 2016, along with his brothers Chanel and Pat.[24][25]However, the NRL's rules didn't allow Canterbury to register the contracts until 30 June 2015, leaving the option of staying at Newcastle open for the Mata'utias.[26]

2015

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On 31 January and 1 February, Mata'utia played for Newcastle in the2015 NRL Auckland Nines.[27]On 19 March, he re-signed with Newcastle on a three-year contract, along with his brothers Chanel and Pat.[28][29]He finished off the2015 seasonhaving played in 22 matches and scoring 3 tries as the club finished last.[30]

2016

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In February, Mata'utia played for Newcastle in the2016 NRL Auckland Nines.[31]In round 17 against theCanberra Raiders,he switched from the centres to second-row in Newcastle's 21-25 golden-point extra time loss atCanberra Stadium.[32][33]This would later prove to be a permanent move for the rest of the season.[34]He finished the2016 seasonhaving played in 16 matches and scoring 4 tries.[35]

2017

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In round 8 of the2017 season,Mata'utia captained Newcastle for the first time in their loss toNorth Queensland.He played a total of 22 games for Newcastle in the2017 NRL seasonas the club finished last for a third straight year.[36][37]

2018

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In June, Mata'utia re-signed with Newcastle on a three-year contract until the end of 2021.[38]

2019

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Mata'utia played 22 games and scored five tries for Newcastle in the2019 NRL seasonas the club finished 11th on the table.[39]

2020

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Mata'utia had an interrupted 2020 season due to injury, only playing in 12 matches for Newcastle.[40]After 124 games for the Knights, he was released from the final year of his contract in November to take up a three-year contract withSuper LeagueclubSt Helens R.F.C.starting in 2021.[41][42]

2021

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In round 1 of the2021 Super League season,he made his debut for St. Helens in their 29-6 victory overSalford.[43]

On 14 July, Mata'utia was suspended for two matches and missed St. Helens Challenge Cup final victory overCastleford.[44]

On 9 October, he played for St. Helens in their2021 Super League Grand Finalvictory overCatalans Dragons.[45]

2022

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In round 19 of the 2022 Super League season, he was sent off for a professional foul in St Helens 25-0 victory overHuddersfield.[46] On 24 September, he played for St Helens in their2022 Super League Grand Finalvictory overLeeds.[47]

2023

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On 18 February 2023, he played in St Helens 13-12 upset victory overPenrithin the2023 World Club Challenge.[48]In April, Mata'utia was knocked out during St Helens loss against arch-rivals Wigan where he remained motionless on the pitch for almost ten minutes and required oxygen. Mata'utia was then ruled out for an indefinite period after being stretchered from the field.[49] In the 2023 Challenge Cup semi-final, Mata'utia was controversially sent to the sin bin during St Helens 12-10 loss againstLeigh.[50] He played 20 games for St Helens in the 2023 Super League season as the club finished third on the table. He played in St Helens narrow loss against the Catalans Dragons in the semi-final which stopped them reaching a fifth successive grand final.[51]

2024

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On 11 September, Mata'utia announced he would be departing St Helens at the end of the 2024 Super League season.[52] He played 21 games for St Helens in the 2024 Super League season which saw the club finish sixth on the table. Mata'utia played in St Helens golden point extra-time playoff loss against Warrington which was also his last game for the side.[53]On November 1, Mata'utia announced he was retiring from professional rugby league after 11 seasons.[54]

On 6 Nov 2024 it was reported that he, alongside his brotherPeter,had signed forNewcastle Rugby LeaguesideLakes United Seagulls[55]

Statistics

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Year Team Games Tries Pts
2014 Newcastle Knights 7 7 28
2015 22 3 12
2016 16 4 16
2017 22 3 12
2018 23 8 32
2019 22 5 20
2020 12 1 4
2021 St Helens 22 5 20
2022 16 5 20
2023 24 2 8
2024 15 4 16
Totals 203 47 188

References

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  1. ^"Sione Mata'utia - Career Stats & Summary".Rugby League Project.Retrieved20 March2016.
  2. ^"Double debut for Mata'utias - Knights".Newcastleknights.au. 24 July 2014.Retrieved3 May2015.
  3. ^Michael Carayannis (11 October 2014)."Sione Mata'utia may yet back out of agreement to join Canterbury Bulldogs".Smh.au.Retrieved3 May2015.
  4. ^"KNIGHTS INSIDER: Sione Mata'utia - Knights".Newcastleknights.au.Retrieved3 May2015.
  5. ^"Sione's set to debut - Knights".newcastleknights.au. Archived fromthe originalon 30 October 2014.Retrieved25 July2014.
  6. ^"M".Nycdatabase.org. 27 December 2012.Retrieved26 June2015.
  7. ^"Mata'utia trio plus Tetevano re-sign - Knights".newcastleknights.au. 16 October 2013.Retrieved25 July2014.
  8. ^"Junior Presentation Night Winners - Knights".newcastleknights.au.Retrieved25 July2014.
  9. ^"Australians Win Second Test - Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League - FOX SPORTS PULSE".foxsportspulse.Retrieved25 July2014.
  10. ^"ASSRL Schoolboys rugby league news, Australian Secondary School Rugby League, Australian Schoolboys".ourfootyteam.Retrieved25 July2014.
  11. ^Brad Walter (3 May 2014)."Mitchell Moses stars as NSW win under 20s Origin clash".Smh.au.Retrieved3 May2015.
  12. ^"LATE MAIL: Knights v Roosters - Knights".newcastleknights.au. 25 July 2014.Retrieved25 July2014.
  13. ^"Double debut for Mata'utias - Knights".newcastleknights.au. 24 July 2014.Retrieved25 July2014.
  14. ^"Brothers Sione and Chanel Mata'utia make history with Knights debut | Newcastle Herald".theherald.au.Retrieved25 July2014.
  15. ^"Mata'utia brothers sink Warriors - NRL".M.nrl. 17 August 2014.Retrieved3 May2015.
  16. ^"Custom Match List".Rugby League Project. 18 October 2015.Retrieved25 December2015.
  17. ^Steven Russo (2 September 2014)."Holden Cup Team Of The Year Announced".Rugbyleagueweek.au. Archived fromthe originalon 26 June 2015.Retrieved3 May2015.
  18. ^"Knights a plenty in Samoan train on squad - Knights".Newcastleknights.au. 8 September 2014.Retrieved3 May2015.
  19. ^"Young Knights aplenty in rep teams - Knights".Newcastleknights.au. 23 September 2014.Retrieved3 May2015.
  20. ^"PM's XIII defeat valiant PNG".NRL. 12 October 2014.Retrieved3 May2015.
  21. ^"Holden Kangaroos 2014 Four Nations squad".NRL. 14 October 2014.Retrieved3 May2015.
  22. ^"Mature Mata'utia braced for biggest Test".NRL. 13 November 2014.Retrieved3 May2015.
  23. ^"Four Nations final: New Zealand 22-18 Australia | Match report".Australian Associated Press. 15 November 2014 – via theguardian.
  24. ^"Bulldogs secure Knights' band of brothers Sione, Chanel and Pat Mata'utia".Dailytelegraph.au.Retrieved3 May2015.
  25. ^"Newcastle Knights rising star Sione Mata'utia to let mum decide his long-term playing future".Dailytelegraph.au.Retrieved3 May2015.
  26. ^Keeble, Brett (18 December 2014)."Agent tussle holds up Mata'utia talks | Newcastle Herald".Theherald.au.Retrieved3 May2015.
  27. ^"KNIGHTS NAME 2015 NINES SQUAD".Rugby League Week. 20 January 2015. Archived fromthe originalon 30 January 2016.Retrieved21 December2015.
  28. ^"Mata'utia brothers re-sign - Knights".Newcastleknights.au. 18 March 2015.Retrieved3 May2015.
  29. ^Brett Keeble (18 March 2015)."Sione Mata'utia and brothers Chanel and Pat re-sign with Knights".Smh.au.Retrieved21 December2015.
  30. ^"Custom Match List".Rugby League Project. 18 October 2015.Retrieved25 December2015.
  31. ^"Knights Announce Nines Squad - Rugby League Week".Rugbyleagueweek.au.28 January 2016. Archived fromthe originalon 4 February 2016.Retrieved4 February2016.
  32. ^"Knights Sione Mata'utia's future is as backrower, says coach Nathan Brown".Dailytelegraph.au. 4 July 2016.Retrieved7 September2016.
  33. ^"Jordan Rapana try seals Raiders' golden-point victory against Knights".Dailytelegraph.au. 3 July 2016.Retrieved7 September2016.
  34. ^"Knights star Sione Mata'utia played almost 20 minutes with a fractured jaw".Dailytelegraph.au. 19 July 2016.Retrieved7 September2016.
  35. ^"Custom Match List".Rugby League Project.Retrieved7 September2016.
  36. ^"Knights: 2017 by the numbers".NRL.12 December 2017.
  37. ^"Updated team lists: Cowboys v Knights".NRL. 18 December 2016.Retrieved22 April2017.
  38. ^"Knights re-sign Sione Mata'utia - Zero Tackle".28 June 2018.Retrieved29 June2018.
  39. ^"2019 SEASON REVIEW NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS".Nothing But League.3 October 2019.
  40. ^"Custom Match List - Rugby League Project".rugbyleagueproject.org.
  41. ^"Sione Mata'utia granted immediate release".Newcastle Knights.11 November 2020.
  42. ^"The NRL recruits moving to these shores for the 2021 season".skysports.
  43. ^"Lomax leads way as St Helens make light work of Salford in season opener".theguardian.26 March 2021.
  44. ^"St Helens forward to miss Challenge Cup final after tackle ban upheld".bbc.co.uk.
  45. ^"Super League Grand Final: Catalans Dragons 10-12 St Helens: Saints win three in a row".bbc.co.uk.
  46. ^"Super League: St Helens 25-0 Huddersfield Giants - 12-man Saints battle to victory".bbc.co.uk.
  47. ^"St Helens sink Leeds to win record fourth consecutive Grand Final".theguardian.
  48. ^"St Helens stun Penrith to win World Club Challenge".BBC Sport.
  49. ^"St Helens' Sione Mata'utia stretchered from the field requiring oxygen after knockout".examinerlive.co.uk.
  50. ^"Why Sione Mata'utia wasn't shown red card".seriousaboutrl.
  51. ^"Paul Wellens Q&A: Saints review of year and a look to 2024".sthelensstar.co.uk.
  52. ^"Sione Mata'utia to leave St Helens and return to Australia".sthelensstar.co.uk.
  53. ^"'Soul destroying': Warrington eliminate St Helens in golden drop goal thriller ".theguardian.
  54. ^Walker, Callum (1 November 2024)."Ex-St Helens stalwart Sione Mata'utia confirms retirement".Total Rugby League.Retrieved1 November2024.
  55. ^Callum Walker (6 November 2024)."Ex-St Helens forward Sione Mata'utia and former Castleford and Warrington man Peter Mata'utia sign for new club".Total RL.
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