Bennett full of praise for Mata-utia

Knights coach Wayne Bennett says boom rookie Sione Mata’utia has justified his high praise of the 18-year-old after he scored a hat-trick in just his fourth NRL game.

The veteran coach has never been quick to hand out an accolade, but predicted the youngest of four Mata’utia brothers would be “one of the club’s great players” ahead of his debut against the Roosters last month.

After Mata’utia’s three-try day, Bennett kept up the praise, labeling him a future Newcastle captain.

“He has wonderful attributes … I imagine one day he’ll captain the Knights and be a great player for all of his career,” Bennett said.

“He’s played fullback for us, his preferred position is centre, he played great on the wing today.

“I don’t think anyone at the club who knows him would doubt that.

“It’s a long way away for him, but I’m sure one day that’s where he’ll be heading.”

Mata’utia scored his first NRL try in the 10th minute when he latched onto a perfectly weighted Jarrod Mullen chip kick.

The former Australian Schoolboys captain showed his wheels when scoring his second four-pointer, converting a two-on-one blind-side scrum play into a 90-metre try.

But he saved his best try for last, taking a Joseph Leilua offload and beating three defenders to touch down in the left-hand corner.

Knights skipper Kurt Gidley was also full of praise for Mata’utia, saying he was a pleasure to play with.

“First thing that comes to mind is toughness,” Gidley said.

“For a younger guy he is prepared to put his body on the line. He doesn’t have a big head or an ego, he trains hard, he talks well, he’s got all those attributes as a leader.

“It’s a pleasure playing with those younger guys coming through.”

Knights five-eighth Jarrod Mullen joked later that, despite Bennett’s compliments, he had spotted the young Mata’utia first.

“I saw him back when he was playing 15s and 16s and you could tell he was going to be something special,” Mullen said.

“It was only a matter of time until he got his shot.”

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!