Sione Mata'utia and Beau Scott in the Australian squad
- Thread starter jamesgould
- Start date
Billy
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Sione played Harold Mathews in 2012.
In 2013 he played a bit of SG Ball but injuries meant he had short minutes in the games he played, and at the end of the season, after he turned 17, he played a bit of NYC.
In 2014 he went from NYC to Kangaroos.
3 seasons from Under 16s to Kangaroos.
Maybe Troy Pezet is a genius. Sione, Cogger and Lamb have all been coached by Pezet and his "High performance Unit", and we've never seen kids develop this fast.
In 2013 he played a bit of SG Ball but injuries meant he had short minutes in the games he played, and at the end of the season, after he turned 17, he played a bit of NYC.
In 2014 he went from NYC to Kangaroos.
3 seasons from Under 16s to Kangaroos.
Maybe Troy Pezet is a genius. Sione, Cogger and Lamb have all been coached by Pezet and his "High performance Unit", and we've never seen kids develop this fast.
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Scott achieves Kangaroos goal
Tue 14th October, 05:11PM
The 2014 season keeps getting bigger and better for Newcastle Knight Beau Scott who has been selected in the Holden Kangaroos squad to represent Australia in the Four Nations Tournament.
“Everyone wants to be recognised as an Australian player, to be able to achieve that is definitely one of my main goals,” he told the media at a press conference at West Mayfield on Tuesday.
“It’s very exciting to be involved in the squad going forward and hopefully I can get a few more games."
Scott captured extra attention after scoring a try during the weekend's Prime Minister's XIII match against the PNG Kumuls in Papua New Guinea.
“Nothing is fully expected but I was wishing and hoping,” he said.
“I guess all the hard work is done during the year to be sort of in the frame for these squads at the end of the year, so I’m pretty excited to be in the mix this year, especially being in Australia.
“The possibility of family and friends being able to come to a game adds to the excitement."
The 30-year-old forward was named alongside emerging talent Sione Mata’utia who, if plays, will be the youngest player to represent Australia.
“I’m really excited for Sione, I just got back from PNG with him, he lapped it all up over there and for him to be given this opportunity to play for Australia in Australia it’s a huge step in his career," Scott said.
The achievement follows Scott captaining the Country representative side, playing all three games for the NSW Origin team, selection in the Prime Minister’s XIII and being awarded the Danny Buderus Medal at the Club’s Awards Evening on Thursday.
http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2014/10/14/scott_achieves_kangaroos_goal_.html
Tue 14th October, 05:11PM
The 2014 season keeps getting bigger and better for Newcastle Knight Beau Scott who has been selected in the Holden Kangaroos squad to represent Australia in the Four Nations Tournament.
“Everyone wants to be recognised as an Australian player, to be able to achieve that is definitely one of my main goals,” he told the media at a press conference at West Mayfield on Tuesday.
“It’s very exciting to be involved in the squad going forward and hopefully I can get a few more games."
Scott captured extra attention after scoring a try during the weekend's Prime Minister's XIII match against the PNG Kumuls in Papua New Guinea.
“Nothing is fully expected but I was wishing and hoping,” he said.
“I guess all the hard work is done during the year to be sort of in the frame for these squads at the end of the year, so I’m pretty excited to be in the mix this year, especially being in Australia.
“The possibility of family and friends being able to come to a game adds to the excitement."
The 30-year-old forward was named alongside emerging talent Sione Mata’utia who, if plays, will be the youngest player to represent Australia.
“I’m really excited for Sione, I just got back from PNG with him, he lapped it all up over there and for him to be given this opportunity to play for Australia in Australia it’s a huge step in his career," Scott said.
The achievement follows Scott captaining the Country representative side, playing all three games for the NSW Origin team, selection in the Prime Minister’s XIII and being awarded the Danny Buderus Medal at the Club’s Awards Evening on Thursday.
http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2014/10/14/scott_achieves_kangaroos_goal_.html
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Sione Mata’utia will become the youngest person to represent Kangaroos if he plays a match in the Four Nations
Sione Mata'utia will become the youngest to ever represent the Kangaroos if he plays in the Four Nations.
WHEN Australian coach Tim Sheens called 18-year-old Sione Mata’utia to tell him of his Kangaroos call up, the first words he said were “this is not a prank”.
That is because Mata’utia has played just seven first grade games and will be the youngest person to represent the Kangaroos if he plays a match in the Four Nations, breaking Israel Folau’s record.
Mata’utia revealed his goal for this year was to play one game of first grade for the Knights.
“That was all I wanted and I thought to achieve just that was going to be a journey,” Mata’utia said.
Kangaroo Rookies Sione Mata'utia during a training session at Red Hill. Pic Annette Dew
“Playing seven games of NRL was a cup cake after a good dinner and getting picked for Australia … I don’t know what you would call that.
“Sheensy called me and straight away said ‘this is not a prank’.
“Having seven games of NRL satisfied me enough. To get a call up for this was a shock.
“I am just so honoured. If I get a game, awesome, if I don’t, that’s fine too.
“I just enjoy being here.”
Folau was 18 years and 194 days when he debuted for Australia.
Mata’utia will break that mark regardless of when he plays during the Four Nations.
Remarkably articulate for his age, Mata’utia has only been able to buy alcohol for four months.
Australian sporting history is filled with incredible stories of young players pulling on the green and gold at insanely early stages of their careers.
There’s Socceroos star Harry Kewell whose Australia debut as a 17-year-old in 1996 came after just two English Premier League appearances.
League Immortal Reg Gasnier played for the Kangaroos after just seven games.
In rugby James O’Connor made his debut for the Wallabies at the age of 18 and with only four Super rugby appearances for the Western Force under his belt.
Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy made his Test cricket debut in 1988 after just six first class games for Queensland.
Kangaroo Rookie, Sione Mata'utia at Red Hill. Pic Annette Dew
“If I get to break that record I will be truly happy,’’ he said.
“It is one to break and I look forward to doing that if I get a chance.
“To be alongside the names of Brad Fittler and Izzy Folau, mate what more could you ask for?”
Mata’utia is an electric outside back with strength that defies his age.
He is the reason Newcastle will not be overly concerned if they lose Darius Boyd to Brisbane as expected.
The person he nominates as his sporting inspiration provides a sharp insight into his character.
While names such as Greg Inglis or Jarryd Hayne would be expected, Mata’utia nominated the Manly Sea Eagles’ halves pairing.
“Daly Cherry-Evans mate, I watch so much of his footy and I try to mould my game to that,” he said.
“His attitude and his determination to win is something I want to have.
“Him and his mate at Manly, Kieran Foran, they are both very impressive.”
YOUNG GUNS
Harry Kewell — Socceroos debut at 17-years-old and after just two English Premier League appearances.
Israel Folau — Australia debut at 18 years and 194 days.
Brad Fittler — Australia debut at 18 years and 247 days.
James O’Connor — Wallabies debut at 18-years-old after four Super rugby games.
Ian Healy — Australian Test cricket debut after just six first class games for Queensland.
Glenn McGrath — Australian Test cricket debut after just eight first class games.
Ashton Agar — Australian Test cricket debut after just ten firs class games.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...the-four-nations/story-fni3fbgz-1227094755282
- CHRIS GARRY
- THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
- OCTOBER 19, 2014 12:00AM
Sione Mata'utia will become the youngest to ever represent the Kangaroos if he plays in the Four Nations.
WHEN Australian coach Tim Sheens called 18-year-old Sione Mata’utia to tell him of his Kangaroos call up, the first words he said were “this is not a prank”.
That is because Mata’utia has played just seven first grade games and will be the youngest person to represent the Kangaroos if he plays a match in the Four Nations, breaking Israel Folau’s record.
Mata’utia revealed his goal for this year was to play one game of first grade for the Knights.
“That was all I wanted and I thought to achieve just that was going to be a journey,” Mata’utia said.
Kangaroo Rookies Sione Mata'utia during a training session at Red Hill. Pic Annette Dew
“Playing seven games of NRL was a cup cake after a good dinner and getting picked for Australia … I don’t know what you would call that.
“Sheensy called me and straight away said ‘this is not a prank’.
“Having seven games of NRL satisfied me enough. To get a call up for this was a shock.
“I am just so honoured. If I get a game, awesome, if I don’t, that’s fine too.
“I just enjoy being here.”
Folau was 18 years and 194 days when he debuted for Australia.
Mata’utia will break that mark regardless of when he plays during the Four Nations.
Remarkably articulate for his age, Mata’utia has only been able to buy alcohol for four months.
Australian sporting history is filled with incredible stories of young players pulling on the green and gold at insanely early stages of their careers.
There’s Socceroos star Harry Kewell whose Australia debut as a 17-year-old in 1996 came after just two English Premier League appearances.
League Immortal Reg Gasnier played for the Kangaroos after just seven games.
In rugby James O’Connor made his debut for the Wallabies at the age of 18 and with only four Super rugby appearances for the Western Force under his belt.
Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy made his Test cricket debut in 1988 after just six first class games for Queensland.
Kangaroo Rookie, Sione Mata'utia at Red Hill. Pic Annette Dew
“If I get to break that record I will be truly happy,’’ he said.
“It is one to break and I look forward to doing that if I get a chance.
“To be alongside the names of Brad Fittler and Izzy Folau, mate what more could you ask for?”
Mata’utia is an electric outside back with strength that defies his age.
He is the reason Newcastle will not be overly concerned if they lose Darius Boyd to Brisbane as expected.
The person he nominates as his sporting inspiration provides a sharp insight into his character.
While names such as Greg Inglis or Jarryd Hayne would be expected, Mata’utia nominated the Manly Sea Eagles’ halves pairing.
“Daly Cherry-Evans mate, I watch so much of his footy and I try to mould my game to that,” he said.
“His attitude and his determination to win is something I want to have.
“Him and his mate at Manly, Kieran Foran, they are both very impressive.”
YOUNG GUNS
Harry Kewell — Socceroos debut at 17-years-old and after just two English Premier League appearances.
Israel Folau — Australia debut at 18 years and 194 days.
Brad Fittler — Australia debut at 18 years and 247 days.
James O’Connor — Wallabies debut at 18-years-old after four Super rugby games.
Ian Healy — Australian Test cricket debut after just six first class games for Queensland.
Glenn McGrath — Australian Test cricket debut after just eight first class games.
Ashton Agar — Australian Test cricket debut after just ten firs class games.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...the-four-nations/story-fni3fbgz-1227094755282
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Sione Mata’utia’s rapid rise
Mon 20th October, 01:40PM
As 18-year-old Sione Mata’utia prepares for one of the biggest moments of his life, a familiar face comforts him.
It may not be the friendliest face you’ve seen, but one of experience and guts and the type you’d want on your side.
It is teammate Beau Scott.
Scott and Mata’utia have both gained selection in the Australian Kangaroos to compete in the Four Nations Tournament, with the first game to be played on Saturday in Brisbane against the Kiwis.
It has already been a monumental year for both players, with the selection coming off the back of a year of personal accolades as well as playing in the Prime Minister’s XIII side against the PNG Kumuls in Papua New Guinea.
Mata’utia’s first encounter with Scott was during last season's pre-season, when the talented 17-year-old was given the opportunity to train with the first grade squad.
“We just said hello and spoke a little bit, but since the camp and being roomies, I’ve seemed to get to know Beau a little bit more,” Mata’utia said.
Scott is widely known as one of the most intimidating and formidable players in the competition, but Mata’utia reveals a different side to the veteran enforcer.
“I always thought Beau was big, intimidating and scary, and that he doesn’t smile much, but the more you get to know Beau, the more you get to realise who he is,” he said.
“He’s a hard man on the field and a good person off the field.”
During the trip, Scott and Mata’utia have bonded further as roommates and found common ground within the 12-year age gap.
“We’ve now become a bit closer and started to tell a few jokes,” Mata'utia added.
“It’s good that I got to room with Beau, it made my trip pretty comfortable.
“He loves a prank.
“I even pretended to throw his new boots to the kids one time, he just laughed at me…I definitely wouldn’t have thrown them."
Mata’utia then tells of his first memories of being in camp, to explain Scott’s playful streak.
“We were going back to our room and there were these lizards,” Mata’utia explained.
“I can’t stand lizards, snakes, spiders or anything - I think it was gecko, a massive fat one.
“Beau went to go touch it, and I was like, ‘what are you doing?’
“He then went to flick it off with his other hand towards me and I screamed and almost ran down the stairs.
“He’s good like that, and it sort of breaks the ice.”
The trip to Papua New Guinea was a whirlwind for Mata’utia who went from attending the Knights Awards Night in Newcastle, where he was recognised with a number of accolades, to departing for Sydney in a hire car that night and flying to Papua New Guinea early the next morning.
The Prime Minister’s XIII side was welcomed to Papua New Guinea with a few thousand excited fans packing out the airport.
“We walked out and there were people there screaming names and touching you,” he said.
“They’re not the kind of people to get autographs but like to take selfies and are all about cameras, phones and hand shakes.
“The boys were saying it would be like that but it was a big eye opener for me.”
The representative game wasn’t the first taste of the Pacific nation for the 18-year-old.
Rewind almost a year and the NYC talent was trekking the Kokoda trail as part of the Knights’ Kokoda Spirit Award, which recognises emerging talent.
“The Kokoda trail helped me in a different way, with lifestyle and my life in general,” he said.
“I knew they were footy fans from the last trip I did for Kokoda, but never to this extent of packed out airports."
It’s been one incredible year for the youngest of the Mata’utia brothers.
He was always tipped to excel in the game, but it has been a rapid rise with a growing list of accolades.
When asked if this time a year ago, he could see himself pulling on the green and gold, Mata’utia is confident in his answer.
While he absolutely set a goal to represent his country, his selection at this stage was unexpected.
"This has come really really early,” he said.
“But I guess when the opportunity comes knocking, you kick the door down and take it with both hands.
“I’ve always wanted to be a Kangaroo but never thought it would be this early, I just can’t wait.”
Mata’utia said today’s achievements can all be traced back to a few years ago when he set mind on a serious career in rugby league.
“I think at a younger age, at about 16 turning 17, I realised that I could make things out of rugby league,” he said.
The young Knight is ever-humble in his success and points out the myriad of people who have supported him through his journey.
“There have been a lot of trainers who have really helped me including Colin Sanctuary, he was a big help when I was younger,” he said.
“Since the day I realised, he was there to help me out and I respected him.”
He also recognised Knights trainers Dave Ballard, Grant Duthie and Jeremy Hickmans who assisted him through pre-season and his NRL debut.
“Off the field, Phil Matthews really helps me with TAFE and getting into study and getting my life ready for life after football,” Mata’utia said.
He is also quick to credit the support from his girlfriend Jamie Hohua.
“My ultimate goal is to make my Mum happy, to make sure she is proud of what we’ve done," he said.
“She’ll always be proud of what we do, and we’re always trying to pay her back for what she’s done for us.
Mata’utia and Scott are currently in Kangaroos camp in Brisbane, preparing for Saturday’s 6.30pm match against the Kiwis at Suncorp Stadium.
http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2014/10/20/sione_mata_utia_s_rapid_rise.html
Mon 20th October, 01:40PM
As 18-year-old Sione Mata’utia prepares for one of the biggest moments of his life, a familiar face comforts him.
It may not be the friendliest face you’ve seen, but one of experience and guts and the type you’d want on your side.
It is teammate Beau Scott.
Scott and Mata’utia have both gained selection in the Australian Kangaroos to compete in the Four Nations Tournament, with the first game to be played on Saturday in Brisbane against the Kiwis.
It has already been a monumental year for both players, with the selection coming off the back of a year of personal accolades as well as playing in the Prime Minister’s XIII side against the PNG Kumuls in Papua New Guinea.
Mata’utia’s first encounter with Scott was during last season's pre-season, when the talented 17-year-old was given the opportunity to train with the first grade squad.
“We just said hello and spoke a little bit, but since the camp and being roomies, I’ve seemed to get to know Beau a little bit more,” Mata’utia said.
Scott is widely known as one of the most intimidating and formidable players in the competition, but Mata’utia reveals a different side to the veteran enforcer.
“I always thought Beau was big, intimidating and scary, and that he doesn’t smile much, but the more you get to know Beau, the more you get to realise who he is,” he said.
“He’s a hard man on the field and a good person off the field.”
During the trip, Scott and Mata’utia have bonded further as roommates and found common ground within the 12-year age gap.
“We’ve now become a bit closer and started to tell a few jokes,” Mata'utia added.
“It’s good that I got to room with Beau, it made my trip pretty comfortable.
“He loves a prank.
“I even pretended to throw his new boots to the kids one time, he just laughed at me…I definitely wouldn’t have thrown them."
Mata’utia then tells of his first memories of being in camp, to explain Scott’s playful streak.
“We were going back to our room and there were these lizards,” Mata’utia explained.
“I can’t stand lizards, snakes, spiders or anything - I think it was gecko, a massive fat one.
“Beau went to go touch it, and I was like, ‘what are you doing?’
“He then went to flick it off with his other hand towards me and I screamed and almost ran down the stairs.
“He’s good like that, and it sort of breaks the ice.”
The trip to Papua New Guinea was a whirlwind for Mata’utia who went from attending the Knights Awards Night in Newcastle, where he was recognised with a number of accolades, to departing for Sydney in a hire car that night and flying to Papua New Guinea early the next morning.
The Prime Minister’s XIII side was welcomed to Papua New Guinea with a few thousand excited fans packing out the airport.
“We walked out and there were people there screaming names and touching you,” he said.
“They’re not the kind of people to get autographs but like to take selfies and are all about cameras, phones and hand shakes.
“The boys were saying it would be like that but it was a big eye opener for me.”
The representative game wasn’t the first taste of the Pacific nation for the 18-year-old.
Rewind almost a year and the NYC talent was trekking the Kokoda trail as part of the Knights’ Kokoda Spirit Award, which recognises emerging talent.
“The Kokoda trail helped me in a different way, with lifestyle and my life in general,” he said.
“I knew they were footy fans from the last trip I did for Kokoda, but never to this extent of packed out airports."
It’s been one incredible year for the youngest of the Mata’utia brothers.
He was always tipped to excel in the game, but it has been a rapid rise with a growing list of accolades.
When asked if this time a year ago, he could see himself pulling on the green and gold, Mata’utia is confident in his answer.
While he absolutely set a goal to represent his country, his selection at this stage was unexpected.
"This has come really really early,” he said.
“But I guess when the opportunity comes knocking, you kick the door down and take it with both hands.
“I’ve always wanted to be a Kangaroo but never thought it would be this early, I just can’t wait.”
Mata’utia said today’s achievements can all be traced back to a few years ago when he set mind on a serious career in rugby league.
“I think at a younger age, at about 16 turning 17, I realised that I could make things out of rugby league,” he said.
The young Knight is ever-humble in his success and points out the myriad of people who have supported him through his journey.
“There have been a lot of trainers who have really helped me including Colin Sanctuary, he was a big help when I was younger,” he said.
“Since the day I realised, he was there to help me out and I respected him.”
He also recognised Knights trainers Dave Ballard, Grant Duthie and Jeremy Hickmans who assisted him through pre-season and his NRL debut.
“Off the field, Phil Matthews really helps me with TAFE and getting into study and getting my life ready for life after football,” Mata’utia said.
He is also quick to credit the support from his girlfriend Jamie Hohua.
“My ultimate goal is to make my Mum happy, to make sure she is proud of what we’ve done," he said.
“She’ll always be proud of what we do, and we’re always trying to pay her back for what she’s done for us.
Mata’utia and Scott are currently in Kangaroos camp in Brisbane, preparing for Saturday’s 6.30pm match against the Kiwis at Suncorp Stadium.
http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2014/10/20/sione_mata_utia_s_rapid_rise.html
Billy
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
I worry about how many games a young bloke like Sione is being asked to play. He must be on about 30 games already with trials, rep games, finals, PM Xiis, and now test squad At least they let him off the junior Kangaroos - which makes me wonder if they might name him next year (that being the only junior side he has missed) and he might be the first guy to play for the junior Kangaroos after the senior Kangaroos.
I honestly think the club should give him most of the pre season off and let him start slowly next year. We want to get 10 or 12 good years out of this kid - not play him 30 or 35 games a year against the strongest opposition at 18 or 19.
I honestly think the club should give him most of the pre season off and let him start slowly next year. We want to get 10 or 12 good years out of this kid - not play him 30 or 35 games a year against the strongest opposition at 18 or 19.
slotmachine
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
i'm 100% in favour of that billy. let's be honest, we're not winning anything in 2015 or 16 but if we get our **** together we might when sione is entering his prime.
unfortunately stone only has a 2 year deal so needs results ASAP or it might be his last coaching gig.
unfortunately stone only has a 2 year deal so needs results ASAP or it might be his last coaching gig.
Billy
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
A few years ago there was talk of restricting all players to just 20 regular season games a year.
This would prolong the careers of a lot of players for a few more years - partly because they would play less games - but also no one should have to rush back from injury - so a one week injury becomes two or three weeks and the player is fully fit before they have to play again.
This would also give fringe players a lot more games - be an even playing field for all clubs - and the good players would be less injured and more ready for the important games at the end of the year.
The last benefit would be that players could play more international games without burning out.
It would virtually cost nothing to make this change, and if a couple of stars were rested every game during the early part of the season, you'd hardly notice, especially if you knew it meant the good players would be fitter at the important end of the season.
This would prolong the careers of a lot of players for a few more years - partly because they would play less games - but also no one should have to rush back from injury - so a one week injury becomes two or three weeks and the player is fully fit before they have to play again.
This would also give fringe players a lot more games - be an even playing field for all clubs - and the good players would be less injured and more ready for the important games at the end of the year.
The last benefit would be that players could play more international games without burning out.
It would virtually cost nothing to make this change, and if a couple of stars were rested every game during the early part of the season, you'd hardly notice, especially if you knew it meant the good players would be fitter at the important end of the season.
Yeah I think this should wipe out his pre-season and ensure he doesn't start 2015 in first grade ... if we are being smart about it, and can get him on board with it.
Not one toot my own horn if you know what I mean.
You cheapen the Australian jersey, and the end result was two losses to NZ in a tournament.
Disgraceful.
Joshhh
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
He definitely should have brought a couple more props in. But it isn't like he chose to cheapen the jersey, we have to remember, there's probably a whole starting 13 team missing from last year's World Cup. I'm not a fan of Sheens at all, but either way i will feel a bit sorry for him if he gets sacked over this, which he will.
He did cheapen the jersey by picking a rookie that played less than 10 first grade games.
Will Chambers didn't even make the squad. He played origin this year, and did a good job. He has runs on the board.
No, Croker came in for Wighton.
Chambers was available for the 4 nations. I know his gf.
Joshhh
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
That's better than my sources then, i was just going off what i remembered seeing in the media a month or so ago, so that can be a bit sketchy.
Wighton was ruled out as his missus was about to give birth.