Former Knights Skipper Lends Experience to Newcastle Rebels Campaign
In a significant boost for country rugby league, former Newcastle Knights captain Sione Mata'utia has answered the call to join the Newcastle Rebels for their 2026 NSW Country Championships campaign. The 29-year-old, who currently plays for local club Lakes United, brings a wealth of experience to the representative side as they aim for a fourth consecutive title.
Giving Back to Country Rugby League
Rebels coach Garth Brennan emphasised the importance of experienced players contributing to the grassroots level of the sport. "It's all about giving back to country rugby league," Brennan told the Newcastle Herald. "There's no money involved and just them putting their hand up to help out where it all started from."
Brennan highlighted Mata'utia's unique credentials, noting that the back-rower remains the youngest-ever player to represent the Kangaroos. "To have someone who's done what he's done in the game especially, come put his hand up and say yep I'll do it, great shot in the arm for country rugby league," Brennan added.
Experience Across the Squad
Mata'utia becomes the second Rebels player with both NRL and English Super League experience, joining Fijian international Kevin Naiqama who plays for Western Suburbs. The pair will provide crucial leadership to what Brennan describes as a "young-ish squad" this season.
"We've got an experienced head now in the pack with Sione and an experienced head in the backline with Kevin," Brennan explained. "They are guys who have played at the highest level, both won comps in English Super League with St Helens and help educate the players around them."
Rebels Squad and Preparation
The Newcastle Rebels have dominated the NSW Country Championships in recent years, securing three consecutive titles in 2023, 2024, and 2025. This year's campaign will be led by new captain Matt Soper-Lawler from Maitland.
The squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and fresh talent:
- Western Suburbs provides the largest contingent with seven players including Naiqama and reigning representative player of the year Liam Wilkinson
- Up to a dozen Rebels rookies have been included, featuring Cessnock duo Angus Ernst and Lewis Young
- Goannas hooker Luke Huth returns after a year away from representative football
Preparation for the championships is already underway, with training sessions taking place at Windale Oval this week. The Rebels have scheduled a trial match against Ron Massey Cup outfit Glebe for February 21, providing valuable match practice before the competition proper begins.
Championship Schedule
Newcastle will enjoy an opening round bye before travelling to Queanbeyan on March 7 for their first match. They will face either Monaro or Riverina in what promises to be a challenging start to their title defence.
The full Rebels squad for the 2026 NSW Country Championships campaign includes:
- Matt Soper-Lawler (captain)
- Pat Achurch
- Justin Afflick
- Reid Alchin
- Isaac Blackhall
- Callan Burgess
- Connor Cromarty
- Angus Ernst
- Ryan Glanville
- Jake Goodwin
- Luke Huth
- Luke Knight
- Sione Mata'utia
- Zac Montgomery
- Kevin Naiqama
- Tyrone Nean
- Lachlan O'Brien
- Noah Ryan
- Liam Wilkinson
- Liam Wiscombe
- Lewis Young
Mata'utia's commitment to the Rebels campaign comes during a significant period in his personal life, having recently celebrated the birth of his son Tate. His decision to represent country rugby league demonstrates the ongoing connection between elite players and their grassroots origins, providing inspiration for aspiring footballers throughout the Newcastle region.
