St Helens legend confirms retirement with emotional post

After exiting the club at the end of the 2024 season, one St Helens man has confirmed his retirement from the sport.

Fan favourite Sione Mata’utia has decided to call time on his career aged just 28. He would play over 200 games in his professional career with 124 coming in the NRL with Newcastle Knights and a further 84 for St Helens.

In an incredible career that saw him start as a winger including his three games for Australia as an 18-year-old, Mata’utia would slowly move inward before finding his home in the second-row.

For St Helens, he will go down as one of their finest-ever overseas recruits, lifting every single trophy available to win as he joined the Red Vee during their era of dominance.

He missed the Challenge Cup Final in his first season due to suspension but starred in both the 2021 and 2022 Grand Finals, whilst also featuring in the infamous World Club Challenge win.

After his contract ran down at the end of the season, he made his emotional farewell before reports emerged that he could yet sign a new deal. That’s now been silenced as the 28-year-old took to Instagram to confirm his retirement from the sport.

St Helens legend retires at just 28

In a lengthy post on Instagram that saw him thank teammates, friends, and family, Mata’utia confirmed his playing career was over.

It can be read in full below and is embedded at the bottom of the article.

“ENDING MY PROFESSIONAL CAREER WITH A GRATEFUL HEART AND UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES🏉

“Today, I close an unforgettable chapter in my life, announcing my retirement from professional sports. This journey has been nothing short of incredible, filled with challenges, triumphs, and the unwavering support of my family, teammates, coaches, and fans.

“To my family, thank you for standing by my side through every high and low, and for being my rock.

“To my mom and sisters, thank you for your endless love, guidance, and for teaching me the value of hard work, resilience, and compassion.
@jo_thompson685 @bjkc_10 @sylviamatautia @pafuti.matautia

“To my older brothers, who I idolized in the same sport and who set the bar high for me to chase and try to surpass, thank you for inspiring me and pushing me to be better every day. @peanutmatautia @tayhudhen #lii @pattyboy93 @jaitukua

“To my wife, your love, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in me made this all possible I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for every moment you stayed strong while I was away, for holding down our home and taking care of the kids on your own, even when it was hardest. For uprooting your life, moving away from your family and support system in Oz, I am forever grateful. Your patience, resilience, and the love you’ve given me through every high and low mean more than words can say. You are the true hero of this journey, and I am endlessly blessed to have you by my side❤️. @hannah_matautia

“The lessons learned, friendships made, and memories created will forever be a part of who I am. Thank you to everyone who believed in me and pushed me to be my best. While this chapter ends, I look forward to new opportunities and continuing to give back to the sport that has given me so much. Onward to the next adventure! 🫡 PEACE AND LOVE”

Everyone at Serious About Rugby League would like to wish Sione the best in hs future endeavours and congratulate him on a wonderful career.

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A post shared by Sione Mata’utia (@youngceeeee)