St Helens have confirmed the departure of another one of their players with an overseas star set to return home.
That man is forward Sione Mata’utia who will return to Australia at the end of the season with a one-year option in his deal not being triggered.
St Helens had confirmed the departure of first team member and Reserves’ captain Sam Royle last night and now they say farewell to one of their star forwards.
Paul Wellens confirmed the exit for Mata’utia in his weekly press conference before the club released a statement to confirm the 28-year-old’s departure.
St Helens’ statement read: “St Helens R.F.C. can confirm that Sione Mata’utia with his young family will return home to Australia at the end of the 2024 rugby league season.”
It means that Friday night’s home game against Castleford Tigers will be the last chance for fans to say goodbye to the Australian who was named in Paul Wellens’ 21-man squad earlier today.
St Helens star explains exit
Credit: Imago Images
Mata’utia leaves the Red Vee with 82 appearances to his name and 18 tries after joining ahead of the 2021 season but injuries have hampered him in 2024.
A versatile forward, he was most adept at second-row but has played both centre and even prop in the four years that he has been at the club since arriving from down under.
During that period, he has helped St Helens win numerous trophies with the most notable being the World Club Challenge against Penrith Panthers in February of 2023.
Speaking on his decision, Mata’utia said: “It’s tough, I’m just trying to put everyone in the forefront of my mind when I made this decision and you know I’d love to for another 10 years here, but I have got a family as well. I’ve got a beautiful wife who looks after our kids when I’m always away, she takes all the wins and losses with me, as well as looking after our kids at home.
“It’s a big decision and I’m thankful to the Club that they have given me a lot of time, but I’ve got to think about my family first. They’re my whole life and we’re going home which is exciting, it’s scary, I don’t know what’s going to happen going over there, I might even be potentially retiring.
“It’s a hard decision because of the connection now that I have with St Helens, the players, the time I’ve been here, and what we’ve accomplished. I’ve been here four years now and the things I’ve done here in four years I’ve not done in my whole career, even in Australia.
“I would have loved to have continued here, but then I’ve got to think about my wife and my kids and they’ve been over here with me as well, supporting me.”
He’s confirmed his intent to help the club to another Grand Final win, after already winning two during his time in England.
“I’m excited to try and give it all I’ve got for the last few weeks of the season and give it a red hot crack. You always want more! It would finish everything off if we make it one more this year again, and everyone at the club deserves it. We have just got to put in the hard work, work together and give ourselves a chance.”
Head coach Paul Wellens was full of praise as he added: “Sione is a wonderful person and a brilliant player, he has added a lot to our team since he first came to join us, and we will miss him not only on the field, but off it too. On behalf of the Club I would like to wish Sione and all the family the very best for the future.”
