THE Newcastle Knights have re-signed Sione Mata’utia – the youngest-ever Kangaroo – for a further three seasons.
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Mata’utia, who turned 22 this week, has played in 82 top-grade games for the Knights after making his NRL debut in 2014.
In that same rookie season, he made three Test appearances for Australia at the end-of-season Four Nations, at the age of 18.
Negotiations to extend his tenure kicked off last season but were put on hold when the powerful centre/back-rower suffered a series of career-threatening concussions.
He underwent a battery of tests and withdrew from the Samoan squad who competed at last year’s World Cup, but was cleared to resume in round one this season and has not missed a game since.
"It was an easy decision to stay,” Mata’utia said in a club statement.
“Everyone can see we are building something very special in Newcastle and I can't wait for the club to continue to grow. I'm glad I get to keep riding the wave."
Sione is the youngest of four brothers to have played first grade for Newcastle and is likely to be the last of the siblings remaining next year.
