St Helens target Mata’utia joins Leigh

Leigh Centurions have signed St Helens target Peter Mata’utia from Newcastle Knights on a three-year deal until the end of the 2020 campaign.

Saints head coach Justin Holbrook last week confirmed that the club were interested in signing the 26-year-old.

But the Samoa international prefers his future to be with the Centurions following talks with Leigh’s Head of Rugby and former Saints boss, Keiron Cunningham.

Mata’utia was one of four brothers at the Knights and was an ever-present for the NRL outfit in 2017, scoring seven tries in 24 appearances.

His Newcastle contract expired at the end of the season and is expected to play at full-back or on the wing for Neil Jukes’ Leigh side in 2018.

And Centurions owner Derek Beaumont is delighted to welcome Mata’utia to the club.

He said: This is a significant signing for the club and demonstrates one of the benefits of having Keiron at the club.

“I know that some people were disappointed when we did business with Warrington on Bryson Goodwin and I hope this shows our clear intentions.

“Peter is a proven quality NRL player who has been ever present this season and has plenty of energy in his game. He has age on his side and will add a lot to the squad and be a pleasure to watch in a Leigh Centurions shirt.

“Although Peter joins use in the Championship, he is aware of our club’s ambitions and his signing is indicative of his belief in that vision.”