St George Illawarra Dragons utility Peter Mata’utia admits the opportunity to play alongside his brother was enough reason to accept the call-up to the NSW Cup Representative squad.
The Samoa international politely declined the chance to represent his country of heritage in the upcoming Pacific Test once he realised brother Chanel was part of the squad.
Mata’utia, alongside teammates Will Matthews and Nathan Green, are part of a 19-man squad named by Head Coach Garth Brennan.
Dragons prop Rory O’Brien had tentatively been selected but was omitted through injury.
“It was a tough decision for me as I had been named as well in the Toa Samoa squad for the upcoming Pacific Test but the opportunity to play with my brother ultimately decided for me,” said Mata’utia.
“I get the opportunity to play with talented players from other clubs I wouldn’t normally line-up alongside and that will be a learning experience for me too.
“I also get the chance to play alongside my teammates from the Dragons and hopefully we can do the Club proud.”
