Pat Mata’utia will add another NRL dimension to Wests’ squad in next year’s Newcastle Rugby League premiership after seven seasons with the Knights.
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Mata’utia, who played 14 NRL games for the Knights in that period, has opted to join the Rosellas in 2019 and has been training with the district club this month.
He was cut by the Knights at the end of this year’s campaign and after recently arriving at Harker Oval will now line-up alongside fellow former NRL players such as pivot Luke Walsh, prop Mark Taufua and utility backs Brad Tighe and Ryan Walker.
“He’s turned up in really good shape and it’s refreshing to see him running around with a smile on his face,” Wests coach Matt Lantry said. “I think it has breathed new life into him.”
Lantry said he was undecided about what position to play Mata’utia, but is considering back-row and centre.
“I’ve still got to find out where he wants to play,” Lantry said.
Mata’utia, 25, is the third of four rugby league playing brothers who were, at one stage, all at the Knights.
Wests have also signed Australian touch football representatives, the Langbridge brothers Alex and Daniel, who were most recently with former NSW Cup outfit Wyong.
