Mata’utia, who was born in Otahuhu, New Zealand, played second-tier rugby for Townsville Blackhawks and Mackay Cutters and was part of NRL outfit North Queensland Cowboys’ squad before signing for Rhinos.
He is contracted until the end of next year, with Leeds holding an option for 2026. And though he hasn’t featured at the highest level, the 6ft 5ins (1.98 metres) prop reckons a stint in England can take his game to new heights.
Mata’utia – who at 21 will be one of the youngest imports in Super League – said: “I’ve heard there’s a bit of chat about NRL people coming here as a kind of retirement, but I see it as an opportunity to get better.
“My focus is the here and now and to be my best for Leeds Rhinos, but eventually I do want to go back and play in the NRL.
“I have come here to get better. Brad [Arthur] is a good coach, he has experience in the NRL and he has come here and done really well. I am hoping I can learn a lot from him.”
He added: “Hopefully it will all go well. The boys have been talking about the crowds here, they say Headingley is a good crowd and wherever you go here they are good fans so I am excited to experience that.
“Pre-season is pretty much the hardest thing you do in your footy career, but being around the boys has been good and Brad has been good. Everyone has been a big help.”
Leeds Rhinos man looks ahead to the Boxing Day challenge
Mata’utia could pull on a Leeds jersey for the first time in the annual Boxing Day festive challenge against Wakefield Trinity at AMT Headingley.
“That was a bit of a shock to me,” he said of playing the day after Christmas. “I’ve never experienced that.
“I am used to having Christmas and New Year off, but it will be good to have a change. I’ll just have to have a bit less food on Christmas Day, but I am pretty excited about it.”
Mackay, who Mata’utia featured for 18 times last season, are coached by former Rhinos favourite Adam Cuthbertson.
The Australian forward was a member of Leeds’ 2015 treble-winning side, played in the 2017 Super League Grand Final success and made his last appearance for Rhinos in a Wembley victory five years ago.
“He didn’t know I was coming here,” Mata’utia revealed. “I didn’t know he played for Leeds until I watched a game back and saw him play.
“It looked like he was a pretty good player and he is a good coach. He said congratulations and told me what a good club this is and the history behind it.”
Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.
