Mata’utia can handle the pressure: Stone

Knights player Sione Mata'utia at team training. Source: Liam Driver / News Corp Australia

NEWCASTLE coach Rick Stone is adamant boom youngster Sione Mata'utia will have no problem handling the weight of expectation on him this year, claiming second year syndrome will not be a factor after his stunning rise to Kangaroos selection in 2014.

Stone is banking on some "backyard telepathy" to help ignite his side's pre-season Auckland Nines campaign after naming Sione alongside his brothers Chanel and Pat in his Knights squad for the tournament.

KNIGHTS RISK MULLEN FOR NINES

Sione Mata'Utia of the Knights runs with the ball. Source: Supplied

He expects the 18-year-old to thrive in the Nines environment and holds no fears the unexpected dizzy heights of last season's representative call-up will impact on his development in 2015.

"Not at all,'' Stone said when asked if second year syndrome could become a factor.

"He's well grounded. He's a humble lad and he knows he's got to work hard for everything he gets still.

"He's not only a good person, he's a terrific player and hopefully, he'll be here for a while.

What position should Sione Mata'utia play in 2015?

"Obviously, he just caught the back end of last year (in the NRL) and he went from a first grade debut seven games out to being our youngest international which is a massive rise in just the space of a couple of months.

"But he's shown all the traits that he's heading towards a good season again this year and I think this (Nines footy) will be a great way to kick off for him."

Stone predicts the youngster, who will play fullback in Auckland in the absence of Kurt Gidley, will have a big impact at the Nines.

Kangaroo Rookie Sione Mata'utia. Source: News Corp Australia

"He's strong, he's skilful, he's aggressive and he competes hard and he is fit so he ticks all the boxes as far as a Nines' player is concerned," Stone said.

"He's playing with his brothers and that's a great opportunity for him.

"It's the first time the three of them have played together in the one team so if they get on the field together, let's see hopefully a bit of backyard telepathy."

Sione Mata'utia at team training at the Forum gym at Newcastle University. Source: News Corp Australia

Stone has opted for a mixture of experience and youth in his Nines squad to be captained by Jarrod Mullen, who put his hand up to play despite suffering a serious hamstring injury in last year's tournament.

"Everyone's been asking me if I want to play or not and I really do," Mullen said.

"It's such a great concept and the whole of New Zealand really grasp it. It's great to be a part of it."

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