Former St Helens man Sione Mata’utia agrees deal to play alongside his brother in 2025

Former St Helens man Sione Mata’utia has agreed to represent Newcastle Rugby League outfit Lakes United Seagulls for the next two years. Mata’utia announced his retirement from the professional game last week after leaving the Totally Wicked Stadium at the end of the 2024 Super League.

But, he’ll keep one hand in the sport, it seems, with the back-rower agreeing to join older brother and former Castleford Tigers and Warrington Wolves Peter Mata’utia in the local league. Mata’utia is still only 28, but after spending four seasons with the Saints, in which he won two Grand Finals and a World Club Challenge, he decided to call time on his career and return to Australia.

He made 85 appearances for the Merseyside outfit and scored 17 tries, including four in his final season this year. Before joining the Saints, he spent seven seasons in the NRL with Newcastle Knights where he made 124 outings and scored 31 tries.

After bidding farewell to the full-time game, Mata’utia will be playing at a much lower level next season, but he’s excited all the same.

“It’s just a cool opportunity to play alongside Peter,” Mata’utia told the Newcastle Weekly. “We nearly played in England together, in the representative team, however it didn’t eventuate.

“So, this will be the first time since we both took the field for the Knights. Donning a Lakes jersey with Peter was the biggest drawcard.

“From day one, I’ve said that’s 90% of the reason I want to play with my brother. Now, thinking about it over time since I’ve been home and talking to him, the other 10% is winning the premiership.

“The history of the Seagulls, and the ex-Newcastle players and the connections they have there, also impressed me. It’s definitely the goal to try and win the Denton Engineering Cup.”

He added: “I was just saying to the boys, I never thought I’d be playing in the NEWRL this early. However, it’s definitely a positive, knowing I can have a good impact here.

“I’m sure it will bring back old memories of playing on the fields that I played on when I was younger. It’s kind of magical.”