Newcastle has granted second-rower Sione Mata'utia an immediate release, paving the way for the former international to link up with reigning Super League champions St. Helens.
Mata'utia made his NRL debut on the wing for the Knights in 2014, and went on to become the youngest ever player to represent Australia after earning Test selection later that year.
He would feature in 124 NRL games for Newcastle and across his seven seasons in the competition played three Test matches for Australia and one for Samoa.
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Mata'utia played 12 games for the Knights in 2020, the least since his debut season, featuring in the first finals campaign of his career as Newcastle secured 7th spot.
The 24-year-old was due to come off-contract at the end of 2021 but will instead join the Saints on a three-year deal commencing next season.
“Sione shares a wonderful history with the Knights, he’s a local junior who made an NRL and Kangaroos debut in the same year, becoming the youngest player to achieve this milestone,” Knights coach Adam O’Brien said in a club statement.
“He's been a great servant for the club, in both good and tough times, while his attitude and commitment both on and off the field has always been outstanding.
“We are really pleased to see him get an opportunity to extend his career in England and the chance to travel with his family.
“He is a great young man, who leaves the club with the highest regard.
“Everyone at the Knights wishes him all the best for the future."
CONFIRMED | The nib Newcastle Knights have granted Sione Mata’utia a release from the final year of his contract with the Club.
— Newcastle Knights (@NRLKnights) November 11, 2020
Thanks for the memories Sione 👊
➡️ https://t.co/foNjPfaEfw#UKNIGHTED #GoHardGoKnights pic.twitter.com/3P5TnQavAm
Mata'utia's departure is set to see Newcastle up their pursuit of rising Cowboys playmaker Jake Clifford.
Clifford played an important role filling in for injured skipper Michael Morgan for North Queensland this season, however the return of Morgan is expected to see the young halfback shunted from the starting side.
Still under contract in Townsville next season, The Newcastle Herald reports the Knights are likely to sign Clifford for the 2021 season despite an initial attempt to accommodate him earlier.
