St Helens confirm interest in Sione Mata’utia but deal not done

St Helens say they will continue talks with forward Sione Mata’utia over a move ahead of 2021 – but insist a deal is not yet done.

Newcastle Knights have granted Mata’utia a release from the final year of his contract and, in their press release, said to “allow him to take up a three-year deal with St Helens”.

St Helens have since released a short statement confirming their interest in signing the 24-year-old, but the club insist a deal has not yet been agreed.

A Saints statement read: “The club can confirm it has been in discussions with Sione Mata’utia, but this morning’s news of his release from his Newcastle Knights contract was the first official communication we have received from the NRL club.

“The club continues to talk to Sione and his agent about a deal ahead of the 2021 season.

“A further update will be announced in due course.”

Mata’utia made his NRL debut for the Knights in 2014 and later that year became the youngest player to ever represent Australia, and has since represented Samoa.

Sione is the younger brother of Castleford star Peter Mata’utia and has scored 31 tries in 124 games for the Knights.

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