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TEENAGE star Sione Mata'utia says he is not fazed by the prospect of having to play NSW Cup if Newcastle coach Rick Stone opts to go with specialist hooker Tyler Randell on the bench at the expense of him against Parramatta on Sunday.
Less than six months after becoming Australia's youngest ever Kangaroo, Mata'utia has featured in every game for the Knights this season, starting at fullback and on the wing in two matches and coming off the bench on the other four occasions with Stone using skipper Kurt Gidley as a makeshift hooker just to accommodate the 18 year old in his squad.
Tyler Randell takes on the Panthers defence. Source: Getty Images
But while there has been nothing wrong with his form, there are suggestions Mata'utia will be squeezed out this week with Gidley to play exclusively at fullback and Randell to deputise for hooker Adam Clydsdale.
Adding further weight to the speculation, the NRL and NSW Cup squads trained together on Thursday with Mata'utia part of the NSW Cup contingent.
But while Stone is yet to tell him officially where he will be playing, Mata'utia claimed going back to NSW Cup would not worry him.
"Going down a grade doesn't mean anything to me," he said.
"I've still got to wear that Knights jumper with pride and play hard for it.
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"I love going back and training today with the reggies was good. I get a bit of confidence where I can talk a bit and guide the boys around."
The incumbent Kangaroos winger, who is no chance of holding onto his place in the Australian side but could get a Country Origin call up, was philosophical when asked about the selection of the Test side coming up.
Mata'utia said:
"I haven't really been thinking about it. Watching the NRL teams now, all the players that were missing last year are back playing footy every weekend.
"The reason why I played was injuries so the players are back.
"It's all good. I'm still here playing for my club and if I do get a Country jersey it would be good and hopefully I can get a crack at that but if not, I'll play every weekend here."
Sione Mata'utia says he's not fazed by playing in the NSW Cup. Source: Getty Images
Stone's plan for Mata'utia could hinge on the fitness of five-eighth Jarrod Mullen, who along with backrower Tariq Sims, is being hampered by a shoulder injury.
Both Mullen and Sims trained yesterday but weren't involved in any contact and will need to prove themselves during the captain's run on Saturday morning.
If Mullen is forced out, Mata'utia would get a reprieve.
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