‘Talks have been positive’ – St Helens hopeful of retaining off-contract overseas recruit

St Helens coach Paul Wellens says he is hopeful of keeping hold of out of contract forward Sione Mata’utia beyond this season.

Former Australia and Samoa international Mata’utia has made 46 appearances for the Saints since arriving at the club ahead of the 2021 campaign.

The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and there has been speculation of him possibly returning to the NRL next year – but Wellens is hopeful of being able to retain the forward.

Asked if he is confident that Mata’utia will extend his stay with the club, Wellens replied: “Yeah I am confident. Talks have been positive.

“Obviously Sione needs to sort out in his own head whether it is the right decision.

“There are numerous factors he needs to think about but it is just really important that we, as a team, allow Sione that time.

“He is a really important, brilliant player and a really respected member of the group and because he is all of those things, we need to be patient and give him that time (to make that decision).”

Sione Mata’utia versatility proves invaluable for Saints

Speaking after their 48-6 demolition of Huddersfield after Magic Weekend, Wellens praised Mata’utia for showing his versatility, with him making a big impact in the middle when coming off the bench.

On Mata’utia, Wellens said: “He was excellent and then he moved to an edge where he was also really good.

“What I don’t want to do is pigeon hole Sione there.

“Originally when we brought him to the club he was someone who could play in the middle and also edge – I see a bit of flexibility with Sione.

“The biggest compliment I could pay him is he’s not bothered (about which position he plays).

“He’s just happy to get out there and happy to compete and I think he’s equally as effective anywhere he plays and that showed today.

“When you’ve got the likes of Agnatius (Paasi) and Sione coming on making an impact and I thought Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, at 37… I thought I picked George Delaney at one point with his young energy! He was excellent too.

“Those guys who came off the bench gave us a huge lift and I’d include Joey (Lussick) in that.”

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