While Peter Mata’utia has been named at centre for this Friday’s clash against the Parramatta Eels, he is open to the idea of a possible stint at fullback.
“If (Nathan) Browny wants me to play there, I’ll play there,” Mata’utia said after training on Tuesday morning.
“I enjoy fullback… I enjoy centre…. I like both positions.
“We have got quality backs now with SKD (Shaun Kenny-Dowall) so I’ll find out on Friday where I play.
“Just playing more than one spot makes things a lot better and a chance to challenge yourself to keep a spot.”
While the Eels may be sitting in fifth with six consecutive wins up their sleeves, the eldest Mata’utia brother knows they can bring a strong contest.
“I am confident against a great team,” he said.
“They are playing some very good footy and they’re trying to climb up the ladder as high as they can before the seasons end.
“It is a great challenge for us and we’re looking forward to it.”
Admitting last week’s back-to-back wins was a major confidence booster.
“The feeling has been unreal,” Mata’utia commented.
“I thought the first win over the Dragons was more of a relief than anything and then just winning last week was icing on the cake especially for our fans.
“They keep turning up, 3 o’clock on a Saturday when most people are out doing their own sports so it’s something that is great for the whole town.”
The Knights centre maintains the Wests deal rubberstamped this week is also good news for the Club moving forward.
“It gives us a chance to go against the bigger clubs as well and it’s definitely another step forward in a positive way,” he explained.
“I was here for the Tinkler era and all the news about a better facility, it was pretty cool as a kid looking forward to it and that not happening puts things into perspective but seeing Wests and where they stand, the Club is going in the right direction.”
Meanwhile, Mata’utia said he’s hopeful of finalising his plans to stay at the Knights next year.
“Whether Wests took over or not I still wanted to stay and I came here to help the Club,” Mata’utia stated.
“It is my home town, I grew up here basically my whole life and I enjoy playing for the Knights but I understand footy is a business but things are moving forward.”
The Knights travel to Sydney on Thursday for their clash with Parramatta on Friday night at ANZ Stadium. NRL kick-off at 6pm.
